National Girl Child Day 2022: 5 ways to empower your little daughter

India celebrates National Girl Child Day every year on 24 January to provide support and opportunities to the girl child in India. In this day and age, there are plenty of female role models in every field, but with the right guidance and setting the right example for them, your daughter can be the next role model this world belongs to. Children are highly influential and it is essential to set the right example for them from a young age. As parents and primary caregivers, it is your duty to help them realize their full potential and not fall prey to gender stereotypes.

Here are some ways to raise a strong daughter so that future generations can take advantage of your good upbringing.

Beyond ‘Body Beauty’

The world has been molded in such a way that ‘beauty’ is given undue importance. Growing up, the concept of what is ‘beautiful’ should be carefully inculcated in children. The emphasis should not be on physical ‘beauty’ as much as on mental development, skill sets and abilities. If not given the right guidance, insecurities regarding physical appearance can arise at an early age which can negatively affect the growth and future of an individual.

role models

Before imparting knowledge to your child, practice what you preach. Children learn from their parents and one effective way to raise good children is to be a good role model at home. Have respect for the women of the house so that the children see and learn from you. There should not be stereotypical views about the role of woman in the family.

Raise self esteem in your daughter

As much as you are expected to present your ideal version to children, the world is not what you expect. At times, your daughter may come face to face with the wrong kind of thoughts and it is imperative to boost her self esteem so as to avoid negative thoughts about herself. Always encourage open communication so that they are never afraid to speak their mind, even in front of others.

celebrate his self-expression

Self-expression should be encouraged at all costs from a young age. Just because a child is ‘different’ doesn’t mean they have to conform to social norms. If self-expression is encouraged in women from the very beginning, tomorrow they will be in a right position to empower the underprivileged.

don’t be too protective

While parents are always protective towards their children, it has been observed that they tend to be over-protective with the girl child. This can lead them to think they need extra ‘care’ when this cannot happen. Girls should be allowed to do the same activities as boys, whether at home or outside. Provide them equal opportunities and don’t treat them delicately.