Raising Confident Girls: Kids Corner

Aired on Lifetime Television
Sunday, January 29 and March 12, 2006
Show 304

Raising girls is a whole lot different than raising boys. What does it take to raise a strong confident girl? Can you really change your daughter's life by offering her a green toy instead of a pink one? Well, maybe not, but experts agree you can start raising a strong confident girl long before they are bombarded with images and comments you will have to combat. Experts say, early toy choices may actually encourage your daughter's confidence. Puppets to spur communication, art supplies to prompt creativity and building toys and magic sets are great gender neutral ideas. A recent survey found almost 60 percent of girls were told not to brag about things they do. Well bragging may not be the right word, but you should encourage your daughter to be proud of her accomplishments. And she should be pointed toward things she can accomplish. Exercise with her. Physically active girls are less likely to get into trouble, like dropping out of school or putting up with abuse. Nurture her values. Discourage dieting and be present in her life. Volunteer at school if you can. Next time you see an image of a girl or woman in the media, imagine that it's your daughter. Encourage her to be herself and not conform to what she sees if that makes her feel uncomfortable. And don't forget to lead by example. Ask your daughter to join you or your husband for a day at work or a social outing. She can do anything and don't let her forget that.