Last updated on July 16th, 2023 at 11:21 am
An important part of my big dream is empowering women to love their bodies as they are, not some unattainable media version meant to push women into spending money.
But building self-esteem in young girls is a crucial part of my big dream to empower women.
Teaching girls that what they see portrayed on TV and social media is often very stylized, photoshopped, and not great for building self-esteem.
When I am around young girls, here are 10 ways I work to foster their self-esteem, and I invite you to do the same when you are around young women in your home or in your community:
1. Encourage positive self-talk: Teach girls to replace negative thoughts and self-criticism with positive affirmations. Encourage them to focus on their strengths and achievements rather than dwelling on perceived shortcomings, especially when they feel a certain idolized celebrity is perfect.
2. Promote a healthy body image: Help girls develop a healthy relationship with their bodies by emphasizing the importance of self-care, healthy eating, and regular physical activity. Getting young girls involved in sports is a great way to build their self-confidence. Encourage them to appreciate their bodies for what they can do rather than focusing solely on appearance.
3. Celebrate strengths and achievements: Recognize and celebrate their accomplishments, whether big or small. Encourage them to set goals and work towards them, providing support and guidance along the way.
4. Encourage participation in diverse activities: Encourage girls to explore various activities and interests. This exposure allows them to discover their passions and talents, building confidence in their abilities. It also gives them a focus away from their phones and the internet.
5. Teach resilience and coping skills: Help girls develop resilience by teaching them problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Encourage them to view failures as learning opportunities rather than personal shortcomings. Work on getting them to stop comparing their progress to others. Not everyone adapts at the same pace.
6. Foster supportive relationships: Encourage healthy friendships and social connections. Teach girls how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and surround themselves with positive and supportive individuals.
7. Limit exposure to negative media: Be mindful of the media messages girls are exposed to and help them critically analyze unrealistic beauty standards and gender stereotypes. Encourage media literacy and provide positive role models. Try pointing out where images are airbrushed and photoshopped. Show them videos of women who put makeup on from scratch and see the difference makeup and lighting do to change an appearance. Note how much makeup they use to gain that effect.
8. Encourage autonomy and decision-making: Empower girls to make decisions and take responsibility for their choices. Provide guidance and support, allowing them to develop a sense of independence and confidence in their abilities.
9. Practice gratitude and kindness: Encourage girls to express gratitude for the positive aspects of their lives and to perform acts of kindness towards others. These practices help foster a positive outlook and build empathy.
10. Be a positive role model: Model self-confidence and positive self-esteem yourself. Display healthy self-care habits, engage in positive self-talk, and demonstrate resilience and self-acceptance. Your actions will have a significant impact on how girls perceive themselves.
Building self-esteem is an ongoing process, and each girl is unique. As adult women in young girls’ lives, we can offer consistent support, encouragement, and open communication to help them develop a strong sense of self-worth and navigate the challenges they may face. The most important takeaway is recognizing the importance of creating a positive and empowering environment for young girls.
We can help young girls develop confidence, resilience, and a strong belief in their abilities by instilling a sense of self-worth, emphasizing personal strengths, and encouraging a growth mindset. Ultimately, the goal is to empower them to navigate challenges, pursue their passions, and become confident individuals who can contribute positively to the world around them.
And that’s a future I am working hard to achieve.
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Iman Woods is an American artist who specializes in pin-up photography. Through a unique and therapeutic process, she’s spent over a decade in perfecting, Iman helps women undo the damage from a negative self-image and unrealistic beauty industry expectations. She helps women embrace their own style of beauty and see themselves in a new light. You can find her on her website, ImanWoods[dot]com.
Note: Articles by Iman may contain affiliate links and may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on an affiliate link.
