Body shaming, weight issues and beauty stereotypes are often the reason girls struggle with confidence issues. If their peers or friends are not putting them down, social media is putting pressure on them to feel and look a certain way. This can mess with their confidence and self esteem in a big way. There are three ways to help teen girls grow into confident and resilient adults:
Create a family culture of equality
Support your daughter in making choices based on her interests and abilities, and not on her gender. Parents sometimes make the mistake of reinforcing stereotypes and place limitations on girls. They expect the girl to help out with the cooking, cleaning and laundry while the boy in the family lazes around. Create a culture of equality within the family and be mindful of the language you. Show your daughter that gender does not limit them.
Use social media as a positive tool
You must inform your teen that social media can either make or break them- it is how she decides to use it. She either use social media to fuel her insecurities or to build her confidence. The first mistake she can do is to compare herself to other teens she sees on Instagram and TikTok. She can use social media to launch movements that can empower other girls and not take to heart anything that is said on the platform.
Show her what’s possible
From coding to aeronautical engineering, there are hundreds of opportunities for teen girls to explore that didn’t exist when they were born. Encourage the teen girl in your life to explore these opportunities. Frequently, girls don’t select professions in traditionally male-dominated industries because they don’t believe there are options available to them. Be the vehicle that helps them navigate uncharted territory and succeed.
