Having high self esteem means that you feel good about yourself and like yourself just the way you are, regardless of the way you look, or talk or walk. Everyone needs positive self esteem, but for young girls it’s the foundation of their lives, and of their future families lives as well.

Interestingly studies have been done that suggest women with low self esteem are much more likely to be targeted in robberies,·violence and sexual abuse. Criminals were shown footage of a New York street packed with pedestrians and every criminal choose the same women as targets. The women who walked with their head’s down and looked more fragile and less confident.  

Positive self esteem is about giving your girl choices, encouraging her differences, celebrating her triumphs and supporting her in any losses. The most important way to help your little girl build self esteem is to have time for her. Show her love and affection regardless of the actions she takes. Help her understand that you love the person regardless of the behaviour, and when she is naughty, help her see the behaviour that you don’t approve of as separate from her as a person.

It’s a learning curve, as much for a parent as a child. Good luck and if you want to know more I suggest the book, Raising Girls, by Gisela Preuschoff. It’s great, and I’m still only half way through!