Girls with healthy self-esteem have a greater chance to thrive during the difficult tween (ages 10-12) and teen years. According to the NYU Child Study Center, eating disorders, low self-esteem and depression are the most common mental health problems in girls.

Affects of Low Self-Esteem in Girls

Low self-esteem in girls can bring about various issues including eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, and risky sexual behaviors. And, by the age of 15 girls are twice as likely as boys to be depressed. Helping girls in the critical tween and teen years to build self-esteem helps them lead happier, more fulfilled lives now and into adulthood.

Parents struggle to minimize the affect of the media and peers on their daughters, but there is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the girls.

Tips for Building Healthy Self-Esteem in Girls

1. Create opportunities to build self-confidence. This means being prepared to allow a girl to fail and then find a way to become successful. Rushing in to correct for her only reinforces a low self-worth. Let her find a way to solve the problem and achieve success.
2. Avoid gender stereotypes. Allow a girl to work on a home repair project or enter the science fair at school.
3. Encourage participation in a physical activity. According to the NYU Child Study Center study, female athletes have a greater chance to excel academically than non-athletes.  Participating in a physical activity has also been shown to reduce stress, depression, and chronic diseases.
4. Monitor access to advertising. Movies, television shows, commercials, and magazines promote a limited definition of beauty. Limit the exposure and encourage dialogue with daughters about what they are viewing.
5. Praise success. This will lead to building confidence and greater independence.
6. Engage in self-esteem building activities. Planning activities that focus on positive self-image and role models is essential.

Helping girls build self-esteem in order to be able to make good decisions for themselves is essential at any age, but critical during the tween and teen years. It takes time and effort to teach girls how to maintain a healthy self-esteem, but it is a life skill essential for a happy, successful life.

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