A mom’s presence is essential for her daughter’s growth. According to The Huffington Post, girls who have strong relationships with their mothers during adolescence are likelier to have healthier relationships and self-esteem in adulthood. Furthermore, the article cites a study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics which found that girls who had frequent conversations with their mothers about problems they were experiencing were less likely to report depressive symptoms at age 18. This demonstrates the importance of moms being present for their daughters’ growth, not just in terms of emotional well-being but overall mental health.
There are also tangible benefits to having a mom around during adolescence. For instance, girls who have regular conversations with their mothers about problems they’re experiencing are less likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as alcohol and drug abuse. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that teenage girls who talked with their mothers about sex were half as likely to become pregnant or get someone pregnant.
If you are a mom to a young daughter, you might need guidance on how to raise her. Here are a few tips to help you out.
Provide Encouragement
One of the most important things you can do for your daughter is to keep encouraging her to be the best version of herself. This means letting her know that she can accomplish anything she wants. It also means supporting her interests and pursuits, even if they differ from yours. Additionally, encouragement from you can help offset any negative messages she might receive from others.
One of the best ways to offer encouragement is simply by listening to her. Showing interest in what she says will make her feel valued and appreciated. You can also tell her that you’re always there for her, no matter what she’s going through.
However, it is essential to note that encouragement should not be confused with pressure. It would be best never to pressure your daughter to succeed or meet your expectations. Doing so can lead to feelings of anxiety and inferiority.
Set a Good Example
Your daughter will look up to you as she grows older, so it’s essential to set a good example. This means being someone she can respect and admire. It also means being someone she can turn to for guidance and support. You don’t have to be perfect, but try to be the best person you can be.
Also, please don’t put down other women in front of your daughter. This includes making negative comments about their appearance, intelligence, or worth. Such statements can damage your daughter’s self-esteem and make her think it’s acceptable to mistreat other women.
Another example of setting a good example is being an active participant in your daughter’s life. This means spending time with her and getting to know her friends and interests. It also means being involved in her school and extracurricular activities. By doing that, you’ll be able to give her the support she needs to succeed.
Be Involved in Her Life
Being involved in your daughter’s life is essential, but giving her some space is also important. Let her know you’re always there for her, but don’t hover over her or try to control everything she does. Allow her to make some decisions for herself and learn from her mistakes.
A Harvard School of Public Health study found that girls with close relationships with their fathers are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. This suggests that fathers also play an essential role in their daughters’ lives. However, there is always time to get involved, even if you weren’t there during her childhood. You can still build a strong relationship with her as she grows older.
Enjoy Each Other’s Company
One of the best ways to connect with your daughter is to enjoy each other’s company. Plan outings, play games, and spend time together. Both of you will cherish these moments as she grows up.
The goal is to strengthen the bond between the two of you. This will make it easier for her to come to you with problems, big and small. You can start with matching clothes, making her feel unique and stylish. A mother-daughter-matching bathing swimsuit can create a beautiful photo that both will cherish. You can also buy her a piece of jewelry she can wear daily.
Final Thoughts
There are many ways to show your daughter how much you love her. Just remember to be patient, supportive, and understanding. Most importantly, don’t forget to have some fun together!
Raising a daughter can be a rewarding experience. These tips can help your daughter grow into a strong, confident woman.
