A good dad is worth their weight in gold
A dad’s presence in a little girl’s life, being interested in her life, being warm and playful, and valuing her intelligence builds her sense of being a smart, worthwhile and interesting person.
Dads are the key to confidence and self-esteem.
Make sure she has an aunty in her life
From about eight, but particularly the early teens, a girl needs someone she can talk to and confide in, apart from her mum. Aunties really help a girl to be savvy and self-believing. They are the key to getting through the teen years. If you have a niece, get involved in her life.
Keep the social media to a minimum
Constant exposure to media erodes a girl’s confidence and teaches her that ‘good looks’ and ‘being sexy’ is important. Never have TV on in bedrooms. Don’t leave the TV on all day. Don’t let her have a Facebook account until she is mid secondary school and only have computers in the family areas up until the school requires them to have a laptop/ notebook of their own.
Encourage her to explore
Girls can and need to do everything that boys do: be in nature, play in the mud, paint, draw, surf, ride bikes, play ball games, make music. Don’t buy expensive early learning aids or expect your daughter to attend a plethora of extra-curricula classes outside of school hours. Value the amount of hours spent as a family and what can be learnt from the family home. Do things with your daughter that are fun and creative. Help her to see the world as a big adventure and teach her the importance of family first, last and always.
Show her the value of unconditional love
For the first three years at least, make your daughter the centre of your life. Being with people who love you and respond to your needs 24/7 lays the foundation for becoming a calm and caring young woman. This doesn’t mean spending money, just good quality time.
For more information, contact Louise Shalders.
Copyright Louise Shalders.
