Find Out Why She Has Low Self-Esteem

One of the best things to do is find out why she is so shy and unconfident in herself. This will help you focus on that to make her feel better about herself.

Bear in mind that it might not be one particular thing. If could be the fact that she is the shortest in her class but it could also be a general feeling of not being good enough.

Help Her Develop Her Personal Style

Focus on making her stand out and be herself. Younger children often don’t know what they would like to do or how they would like to dress, so you will need to help here.

Keep in mind that preferences can change and they are often fuelled by the things that are happening around them and fashion at the time. Stay on top of fashion so you can help her.

Encourage Her More Often

Encouragement goes a long way to help boost self-confidence and esteem. Help her by encouraging her more on a daily basis. It could be encouraging her to give the basketball team a try or to do well in an exam.

Avoid putting pressure on her though. Let her know that if she doesn’t make the team or do well, it is not the end of the world. It just requires a bit more practise and you will help her with that.

Congratulate Her Regularly

When she does well in her homework, a test or makes the team, remember to congratulate her. If it’s a very big achievement, you may want to throw a party to show her how proud of her you are.

Knowing that she has done something right will help her continue on that path. Eventually it helps to build her self-esteem up.

Help Her Along the Way

She may need help with understanding her homework or complain that she just doesn’t get it. Sit down with her and help her along the way. Don’t give her the answer though and get her to work it out herself.

You could even get her to explain the homework to you. That way she builds on her understanding and feels like she has taught you something new, boosting her esteem.

Let Her Finish Her Sentences

Low self-esteem can lead to stuttering or trouble getting her words out. Avoid finishing her sentences or feeling like you need to talk for her. It will just plague her more. Instead, let her take her time to speak out.

Give her the opportunity to share her thoughts, feelings and prove she is good at something. It will soon help her confidence grow and that will help get over the stutter and trouble speaking in public.

Image vs. Reality

Look through magazines and images online and discuss what she sees vs. what the reality might be. Talk about how some pictures are altered with photo editing software and airbrushing. Explain that the women she might see don’t look anything like they might in reality.

Talk About the Importance of Liking Herself

Talk about how self-esteem will not only open doors to new opportunities but also help her avoid the pitfalls of peer pressure. The more self-esteem your daughter has, the less likely it is that she’ll engage in risky behaviors simply to try and fit in. Let your daughter know that she has to like herself before anyone else can like her.

Focus on Small Achievements

While not every achievement needs a large celebration, a good grade in a weak subject, having the courage to join a team, or achieving a goal is cause for praise. The more your daughter sees that she can accomplish short-term goals, the more likely she will try and set long-term ones. Encourage her, especially if the goals are difficult, but let her set her own pace.

Talk About Body Image

No matter your daughter’s shape, encourage her to celebrate herself for who she is. If there are weight issues, discuss health, not image or appearance. Promote healthy eating at home and avoid having fashion magazines around the home if your daughter has issues with seeing her body in a positive light.

Embrace Womanhood

Teach your daughter to embrace being a female. Talk about other females in a positive light, and not just about how they look. Discuss positive female role models in your daughter’s life and why she looks up to them. Help her discover her own history in your family as a female.

Discuss the Importance of Individuality

Help your daughter understand the importance of being an individual. While peer pressure and the importance of looking good will are a challenge, try and encourage her individual talents. Explain how important they will be to her not only now, but in the years to come. Emphasize the importance of maintaining individuality in any situation. Let her know that while it’s okay to go along with the crowd in some situations, she should always speak up for herself as well.

Help Her Find Her Voice

Encourage your daughter to speak out and make her own needs known in any social situation. Tell her to ask for help in school when she needs it and to speak up when she thinks something is unjust. The more you encourage your daughter to voice her feelings, the more assertive and self-confident she will become.