Strong girls aren’t born; they’re raised by parents who teach, model, and sometimes—let’s be honest—learn right alongside them.
If you’re hoping your daughter will face the world with grit, kindness, and a wicked side-eye for nonsense, it all starts at home.
Here’s what really counts long before “girl power” gets hashtagged.
1. How to Speak Up (Even When Her Voice Shakes)
Nothing makes a parent’s heart thump quicker than watching their child assert herself—whether it’s asking for a turn on the monkey bars or expressing an unpopular opinion at the dinner table.
Strong girls learn early that their voices deserve airtime.
This only happens if home feels safe for opinions, questions, and even (gulp) respectful disagreement. Try not to shush her when she starts with, “But I think…” Instead, meet her eyes and show you’re listening.
Parents who model respectful debate (without the rolling eyes or sarcastic sighs) give their daughters the confidence to speak up out in the wild.
Research from the American Psychological Association backs this up: Girls who practice assertiveness at home take more risks and bounce back faster from setbacks at school and beyond.
A dinner-table debate about pineapple on pizza? That’s not just sibling bickering—it’s public speaking practice in disguise.
2. How to Set Boundaries Without Apologising
Quick poll: When’s the last time you said “Sorry!” for, well, existing? Many girls learn the “sorry” habit before they learn to tie their shoelaces.
Teaching girls to set boundaries starts with honouring their preferences—even the tiny ones. If she doesn’t want hugs from a distant relative or wants to play quietly alone, back her up.
Show her that her “no” matters, and help her say it without tacking on “if that’s okay?” at the end.
Role-play tricky scenarios (clubs, playdates, friendship dramas) and practise phrases like, “No thanks, I’m not comfortable with that.” No need for long explanations or guilt.
Boundaries are like brollies—she’ll need hers handy for life’s drizzle.
3. How to Make Mistakes and Move On
Perfectionism loves to pitch its tent in the hearts of bright, eager girls. And while “doing your best” sounds lovely, no one needs the stress of Olympic-level pressure on their school art project.
Strong girls learn at home that mistakes aren’t disasters—they’re pit stops for learning.
Parents who laugh off burnt cookies or share stories about their own embarrassing moments model resilience. “Whoops, well, that didn’t go as planned. Should we try again, or shall we make toast instead?”
The Child Mind Institute highlights that resilience isn’t just about grit or pluck; it’s nurtured through everyday repair and recovery. Make your home a safe laboratory for flops and fixes.
And remember: The world is full of people who got it wrong, then got it right (or at least, less wrong).
4. How to Stand Up for Others
Empathy is strength, not a side dish. Strong girls don’t just “look out for number one”—they stick up for mates, younger siblings, and even kids they barely know if fairness is at stake.
At home, this starts with how parents talk about people who are different, or how you all respond when someone is left out.
Invite your daughter to brainstorm ways to help a friend being teased, or encourage her to check in on the lonely new kid.
Stories—whether from books, news, or family histories—can spark empathy. Try asking, “How do you think she felt?” or “What would you hope someone would do if that was you?”
The UNICEF Innocenti Research Centre notes that children raised with empathy become assertive, not aggressive, protectors. The world needs more of those.
5. How to Handle Money Like a Boss
Ever noticed how pocket money can disappear faster than a biscuit left within reach of the family dog? Strong girls need to know that managing their own cash isn’t just for grown-ups—or brothers.
Open those conversations about money early, and don’t just focus on saving for a rainy day. Talk about spending wisely, giving to causes she cares about, and resisting the siren call of the latest trend.
“That unicorn backpack is adorable, but will your snacks actually fit inside it?”
Get her involved in real-life money moments: comparing prices at the shops, working out if that shiny thing is worth the extra fiver, or donating coins to charity.
Girlguiding UK suggests that practical, hands-on experience with money is key to confidence later.
Show her that financial independence isn’t something to wait for—it’s something to start practising (and occasionally messing up) right now.
6. How to Like Herself—Even on Bad Hair Days
Self-esteem isn’t about being the best at everything. It’s about knowing you’re enough, even when your ponytail is wonky and your face is covered in toothpaste.
Strong girls hear more than just “You’re so clever” or “You’re so pretty.” Swap out empty praise for specifics: “I noticed how you kept trying when your drawing didn’t work” or “I love how you made your friend laugh when she was sad.”
Paying attention to effort, kindness, humour—these are the compliments that stick.
And if you catch yourself criticising your own appearance in front of her, bite your tongue. Girls are champion mimic artists, after all.
The Australian Parenting Website Raising Children points out that self-acceptance grows fastest when kids feel valued for who they are, not just what they achieve or how they look.
If she sees you being gentle with yourself on tough days, she’ll learn to show herself the same grace.
7. How to Ask for Help (Without Shame or Drama)
Even superheroes need a sidekick. Strong girls know when to wave the white flag—and that it’s a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
At home, this means parents are honest about their own “I can’t do this alone” moments.
“Could you help me carry these bags?” or “I’m having a rubbish day—can we talk?” sends a powerful message that vulnerability is normal.
Encourage your daughter to come to you (or another trusted adult) when things feel too much. Celebrate her courage in asking, rather than fixing everything at lightning speed.
Sometimes a hug or a “That sounds tough, want to talk about it?” is all it takes.
The Centre for Parent and Child Support notes that girls who ask for help grow into teens and women who build support networks—not go-it-alone martyrs.
Let her see that strong doesn’t mean solitary.
The Home-Grown Secret to Raising Strong Girls
If you’re reading this with a to-do list already longer than a toilet roll, take heart: Strong girls aren’t sculpted through grand gestures.
They grow through small, repeated lessons—spoken and unspoken—across a hundred ordinary family moments.
Trust yourself. Even when your voice wobbles, your patience thins, or your dinner ends up being toast (again).
The world will throw plenty of challenges at our daughters. Home is where they learn to meet them—with backbone, kindness, and maybe a bit of biscuit-fuelled optimism.
And if you’re still unsure? Ask your strong girl what she thinks.
Chances are, she’ll have a few ideas of her own.
