Raising Strong Girls

We recently hosted a parent workshop titled Raising Strong Girls, focusing on helping our daughters develop real inner strength. The session opened with an invitation to reflect on the kind of young women we hope our daughters become, not perfect, popular, or high-achieving by society’s standards, but resilient, self-aware, and authentic. Through a simple ice-breaker, parents shared how they experienced themselves as teenage girls and the qualities they hope to see in their daughters today. This set the tone for rich discussions about the emotional and social challenges girls face, like perfectionism, fear of failure, and the pressure to be everything at once. We explored how confidence drops as early as age 8, and how important it is for girls to learn that it's okay to make mistakes, express emotions, and not always have it all together.

Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind. Resilience grows through everyday experiences. When girls are allowed to struggle, supported in their emotions, and encouraged to be themselves rather than what others expect. Parents can model this by being open about their own challenges, validating their daughters' feelings, and praising effort over outcome. Helping girls build healthy boundaries, explore their interests, and speak their truth all contribute to a stronger sense of self. Ultimately, raising strong girls is about creating a home environment where they feel safe to grow, stumble, and keep going, where strength is redefined as the ability to bend without breaking, and to keep moving forward even when it's hard.

Many parents left with these personal commitments in mind

1. I will let her fail and cheer her on when she tries again.

Resilience is built through struggle, not avoidance. I won’t protect her from every hard thing, but I will walk beside her when she faces it.

2. I will talk to her about real things, even the hard stuff.

Whether it’s emotions, friendships, self-doubt, or identity, I will create space for open, honest conversations. No topic is off-limits when she needs support.

3. I will focus on her character and courage, not just performance.

I will remind her she is enough without needing to be perfect, popular, or high-achieving. Her worth is not up for negotiation.

4. I will model self-compassion and healthy boundaries.

Strong girls often learn by watching. If I want her to be kind to herself and speak up for her needs, I must show her how.

5. I will be a safe, steady place, especially when she’s unsure of herself.

I can’t prevent the world from challenging her. But I can be her anchor, reminding her of her strength, her truth, and her right to take up space.