Raising strong and confident daughters is challenging, but immensely rewarding, especially in environments where boys are often placed above girls, as is sometimes seen in African cultures.
Even in today’s world, where many women have proven that they can excel in male-dominated fields when given equal opportunities, some parents still push their daughters into the background, not allowing them to pursue their interests in certain areas.
This article will explore strategies to raise strong and confident daughters who will step out and excel in their chosen fields.
Science shows that girls are more language-driven than boys. In childhood, a girl’s limbic system (the emotional center) is more developed and active than her frontal cortex (the thinking brain). This can cause girls to interpret our actions or words differently than we intend, sometimes leading to frustration. It’s crucial to give them our full attention when they need us.
We become their heroes and role models by genuinely listening to and acknowledging what they have to say. This builds their confidence and self-esteem, showing them that they matter and that their voices are important. Being their hero and role model from an early age also helps establish a strong and positive relationship, fostering trust and reliability, so they know they can always come to us.
As role models, we also have the opportunity to encourage them to be their true selves, rather than trying to mold them into who we think they should be. It’s a chance to reassure them of our unconditional love for who they are.
This approach helps your daughter develop the independence and confidence she needs to navigate the world successfully.
Women are strong, not weak. God has given us the power to birth and nurture world leaders and to become whoever we aspire to be.”