How do we raise our daughter’s confidence? It starts with our words. Here are 50 things your daughter needs to hear you say.

As bad as I hate to admit it, I have a tween. That’s right. I actually have a tween AND a teenager.  I have heard horror stories about the tween and teen years, but so far we have had it pretty easy.

I have noticed they eat more. And, we have to have those awkward conversations about all things girl. They primp in the mirror a little longer than normal and are growing out of all their clothes.

I’ve also noticed the confidence level seems to go down, or they second guess themselves a little more. My girls still have the innocence, but it’s a little more awkward. Like they look around before skipping in the park or make sure someone else is doing it with them.

I read somewhere that a young girl’s confidence peaks at 9 and goes down from there. To me, this is SO sad. I want my girls to be confident in their abilities. I want them to know their worth as young women, and to believe that God has a plan for them.

I am not 100% sure how to do this, but I do know that it starts with our words.

Here are 50 things your daughter needs to hear you say.

 

1. I’m sorry
2. I love you,
3. You are beautiful
4. Just be yourself
5. You are forgiven
6. I am proud of you
7. I support you
8. I believe in you
9. You are important
10. God loves you
11. Nothing you can do will make me stop loving you
12. You have something to offer
13. Trust in the Lord
14. Choose joy
15. You are not alone
16. Want to hang out with me?
17. You can do this, even though it’s hard
18. Your family loves you
19. Your family is here for you
20. Forgive yourself
21. You can’t save anyone
22. How can I help you?
23. I am here for you
24. You are a daughter of the one true king
25. I thank God every day for you
26. You can talk to me about anything
27. I accept you
28. I believe in you
29. I support you
30. I have hope for your future
31. You can be anything you want to be
32. Seek God’s will for your life
33. God has a plan for you
34. How was your day?
35. Goodnight, I love you
36. I am always here for you
37. I’m not trying to ruin your life
38. You are beautifully and wonderfully made
39. You are unique
40. I want what’s best for you
41. I understand more than you know
42. Let’s pray together
43. I will listen.
44. You are my friend.
45. I value you.
46. He knows your name
47. You have a purpose
48. Nobody’s perfect
49. Always take responsibility for your actions

 

And the 50^th? Nothing at all. Sometimes our daughters need us to say nothing and just listen. I am learning this. I am learning that some of our best conversations come when we just sit. They share their hearts, their longings, and their plans. Without mom interrupting an offering her two cents 😉

If you’re not sure how to begin a conversation with your daughter, consider writing a letter to daughter. Also, please know that these words should be said by mom and dad.

What is your number one tip for raising and encouraging girls?

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One thing we want to be sure about when it comes to our girls is that we are pointing them towards Christ. That is why I created this devotional for the girls in your life.