8 Ways to Boost Your Daughter’s Self-Esteem and Help Her Feel More Confident

Building your daughter’s self-esteem is one of the most important things you can do as a mom. That job can get even more challenging as your daughter goes through puberty. Every mom wants to help her daughter make the best choices for her changing body as she enters the teenage years. One of those healthy choices is Dove deodorant, with a gentle, long-lasting formula that nourishes and protects her sensitive skin. Here are eight other ways to boost your daughter’s confidence, build her self-esteem, and strengthen her sense of self.

1. Compliment her strengths

From an early age, girls often hear more about their appearance than their other amazing traits. It’s important to help your daughter see herself through your eyes. Is she a loyal friend? A hard worker? A diligent student? Focus your most enthusiastic praise and compliments on these characteristics rather than on her looks. It’s not wrong to compliment your daughter’s beauty, especially if she dresses up for a special occasion. But keep the appearance-based praise to a minimum in order to emphasize what truly makes your daughter special.

2. End negative body talk

Negative body talk often starts early. In fact, one study suggests that around half of girls are already dissatisfied with their bodies or weight by the time they hit elementary school. Call for an end to negative body talk in your house —including comments about your daughter’s own body as well as others’. This rule will help your daughter improve her body image and develop the habit of focusing on other, more important things about herself.

3. Help her build a self-care routine

Self-love starts with self-care. Helping your daughter build a self-care routine that works for her can be a fun, positive confidence-building exercise. Pick out skin, hair, and personal care products that can help her feel great in her own skin. Dove deodorant is great place to start as it’s gentle enough to soothe and nourish her sensitive skin as she grows.

4. Encourage team sports early

Whether they’re gymnasts, tennis players, or basketball stars, girls who participate in sports enjoy a wide range of psychological and social benefits. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, girls who play sports display stronger leadership skills, a greater sense of belonging, better body image and self-esteem, and even improved academic performance. When she’s part of a team, your daughter will learn to start setting and meeting her goals. And with the protection of Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant, which can last up to 48 hours, sweat is the last thing she’ll be concerned about on the playing field. If your daughter is interested in athletics, encourage her every step of the way. You’ll be grateful you did.

5. Model body confidence

You are your daughter’s first role model. How you talk about your own body will influence how she sees herself, too. So the next time you’re tempted to joke about how much you ate at Thanksgiving or fret about if you’re going to fit into your dress from two years ago, take a step back. If your daughter sees that you love and accept yourself no matter what, odds are she’ll take a page out of your book.

6. Celebrate what makes your daughter unique

Kids soak up countless messages about race, ability, gender, and appearance every day. In fact, one study shows that children as young as three sometimes parrot negative stereotypes about diverse groups. Help your daughter focus on her inner beauty and celebrate what makes her unique by avoiding comparisons. Instead, guide her to compete against her own personal best. You can also encourage her to speak out against bullying and put-downs — whether she or someone else is the target.

7. Talk about the hard stuff

The most important thing a daughter needs is unconditional love and acceptance. She needs to know that you’ll be there for her no matter what, even if it takes some hard conversations to get there. Try to be willing to talk about anything and everything with your daughter when she’s ready. Your openness about the tough stuff will let her know she can trust you.

8. Pay attention to what she’s watching

We’re all affected by the media we see every day, from movies and magazines to commercials and social media. Many studies have demonstrated that teens and young girls often feel unhappy with their bodies after watching music videos and popular TV shows. You can’t completely cut out the effects of popular culture. But, as a parent, you can still have an impact. Establish an open dialogue with your daughter about the messages she’s getting from the shows and movies she watches. Be critical of messages and images you see as negative. This way, she can start to think for herself instead of taking everything in the media at face value.