10 Tips for Fostering Girl's Self-Esteem

• Let her know that her opinions count and that she is valued for her contributions to family, school, and community.
• Praise her efforts, achievements, and perseverance more often than her appearance.
• Encourage communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills; these equip her with genuine solutions to life’s challenges.
• Prepare her for normal growth spurts in height and weight during puberty.
• Explain that we don’t have infinite control over our bodies, which resist manipulation through dieting and over exercising.
• Promote positive female friendships; discourage competition or comparisons based on weight or appearance.
• Encourage her to diversify friendships so she is better prepared to weather the normal ebb and flow in relationships
• Increase responsibilities such as volunteering, dog walking, or independent financial decisions in order to foster self-worth.
• Consume media together and teach her to question what she reads, views, and hears.
• Point out the strengths and the beauty of women of all sizes and diverse appearances.

These tips originally appeared in print in Alive Magazine (July, 2008)  as part of a longer article I wrote titled Moms Matter Most for Self-Esteem

Suggested reading:
(I've linked to amazon.ca for ease and book description but I encourage you to shop at your local independent book store!)

• I Want Your Moo: A Story for Children About Self-Esteem (ages 4-8)
• Being Me: A Kid's Guide to Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem  (ages8-12)
• 101 Ways To Help Your Daughter Love Her Body 
• Girls On Track: A Parent's Guide to Inspiring Our Daughters to Achieve a Lifetime of Self-Esteem and Respect 
• Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls