Girls go through tremendous emotional and physical changes during puberty. I’ve talked about when you should talk to your children about their bodies and puberty, what to tell your daughter about her first period and how to be prepared to answer the typical questions she might ask you.

I touched upon how you can help your daughter through puberty and everything that comes with it and what to expect with the emotional changes during puberty. I also wrote about what to tell the boys so they know what’s going on with their sister and/or friends.

The tween and teen years are the important years in instilling confidence in our young, impressionable girls. How can you help raise your daughter to be confident? It’s important that parents encourage high self-esteem as they transition to womanhood.

Teenage girls today are likely more challenged to maintain a positive self-esteem than when I was a teenager. Our society and the media are putting such high standards on girls to be “perfect” and to “fit in”.

Here are some tips to empower our girls and help to raise confident daughters.

Compliment her

But don’t praise girls only on how they look – parents’ praise should be focused on efforts and accomplishments rather than physical appearance. By complimenting her talents and abilities, you will help build her self-confidence.

Be her role model

Show your daughter what it means to be confident and happy with her own appearance. Treating others with respect and showing kindness to others is one of the best ways a daughter can learn from her mom. If you look at yourself in the mirror and utter negativity about the way you look, it affects your daughter too. If you love yourself and your body and are open about these feelings, your daughter will also follow suit. Make sure you’re also not judging others by appearance; show your children that it’s what’s inside that makes us who we are. Live by example.

Don’t pigeonhole her into a gender box

Encourage your girls to try sports, which play an important role in developing a positive body image, discipline and self-assurance. It’s worth it to get your daughter involved in a variety of activities when she’s young.

When talking with preteen girls about the importance of exercise, keep the message simple: strong is beautiful.

Encourage strong role models

Want to reinforce the beauty in strength? Encourage strong role models – whether it be a family member, teacher, someone in your daughter’s community or other women with admirable achievements. Here are three super cool women who will surely inspire your daughters.

Listen and talk openly with your daughter

Allow your daughter to lead the conversations and listen. Encourage her to talk about what’s going on in school, with her friends, or even about what’s playing on television and what images she sees in media. Have open and frank discussions about relationships, body image, appearances and peer pressure, as well as how girls are portrayed in media.

Encourage independence

Give your daughter the space and confidence to complete her homework, chores or other tasks and responsibilities. Help her when necessary; praise her for her efforts and independence.

I hope these tips will help you help your daughters to grow into strong, confident women!

Disclosure: I’m thrilled to be working with Always, Tampax and BeingGirl to share important information about kids and puberty!