DiscoverYour Daughter

Children who are more active tend to be more confident and have higher self-esteem. Discovery Girls magazine surveyed its tween readers and found that the girls agreed—and said that these five activities give them the most self-confidence:

1. Success in School
According to the Discovery Girls survey, doing well in school ranked number one among the things that give girls the most self-confidence. Thirty percent of tween girls said that doing well in school helped to boost self-esteem. Kids who are struggling in school tend to develop lower self-esteem. But according to Kidshealth.org, “Their self-esteem will improve when a teacher, tutor, or counselor encourages them, is patient, and helps them get back on track with learning. When they start to do well, their self-esteem will skyrocket!”

2. Playing Sports
Sports boost self-esteem through team building and healthy competition. In the Discovery Girls survey, 24 percent of girls said that sports gave them self-confidence. Through sports, give your daughter the opportunity to reach outside her comfort zone and try something new, beyond what she already knows she can do. As she competes, she’ll find herself mastering new skills, which will give her the confidence to accomplish more. Even when she doesn’t win, she’ll have the satisfaction of knowing she tried her hardest. Both team and individual sports help create confident children.

3. Performing
The opportunity to perform successfully in activities that she values allows your daughter to demonstrate her own competence and worth. Twenty-two percent of tween girls said that performing helps boost self-esteem. As a parent, you can help facilitate higher self-esteem by talking about your kid’s successful performances or accomplishments when she’s present. It’s especially valuable if she overhears you telling others about her achievements when she doesn’t know you’re aware that she’s listening.

4. Helping Others
When you help your daughter volunteer her time for organizations she feels strongly about, you help build her self-esteem. According to PersonalDevelopment.org, “Research over the last 10 years has suggested that giving of your time and energy by volunteering can give you a different perspective about life, which will in turn help you feel as though you have a place and purpose in this world.”

For example, volunteer together at a local hospital, a local animal shelter, or another charitable organization. By rolling up your sleeves and joining her in her volunteer efforts, you’ll be spending quality time with her. You’ll also teach her to be empathetic toward others, leading by your own example. In addition, helping others less fortunate than herself will help her to be less materialistic.

5. Participating in Clubs
Being part of a group of kids with similar interests can help develop friendships and make your daughter feel included. Academic clubs, such as a science club, help her feel accomplished and proud of herself as she learns and grows with the group. The drama club could help your daughter try new things and reach outside her normal comfort zone. Participating in a club may also offer a great opportunity for her to take a leadership role, which can help her learn valuable techniques for motivating others and can open doors to long-term success and growth.

Getting involved with any of these five activities will help create confident children. Contact your local community center, your daughter’s school, or a private sports organization near you to get her involved today!