2025 - 5 Powerful Ways to Raise Confident Girls in a Changing World5

Most parents will agree that the world our daughters are growing up in is very different from the one we knew as children. Technology, especially, has transformed everything—bringing both opportunities and challenges.

For our girls, the impact is particularly noticeable. From the hours spent on mobile phones to the endless content on their screens, today’s generation is navigating pressures we never had to face.

So how can we raise confident girls in this fast-changing world?

Here are five tips that I’ve found helpful, and I hope they will encourage you too.

1. Mothers Model Positive Body Image

Mothers often have more influence on their daughters than they realize. While our children may not always listen to our words, they never stop observing our actions.

That’s why it’s so important to be mindful of how we speak about our bodies and our relationship with food. Role modelling is one of the most powerful forms of teaching. For tweens and teens especially, the way we talk about body image becomes the foundation for how they see themselves.

So, mums—celebrate your body, show kindness to yourself, and let your daughters see it.

2. Teach Them to Understand the Power of Media

The media is a powerful tool—and advertisers know it. While it can inspire and educate, it can just as easily send harmful messages about body image, identity, and how girls “should” look or behave.

Help your daughter become media savvy by teaching her to question what she sees. Remind her that not every message needs to be consumed or believed.

When it comes to TV, I personally prefer a TV-free bedroom. But if you choose otherwise, smart TVs today make it easier to filter and restrict content to ensure it’s age-appropriate.

3. Encourage Team Sports

Research shows that girls who play team sports such as netball, hockey, or basketball often develop higher self-esteem and confidence. Being part of a team helps girls feel valued and supported, while also teaching them resilience through both winning and losing.

The benefits don’t stop in childhood. Even women who join team sports later in life enjoy the same emotional wellbeing and confidence boost.

I used to believe that some children are naturally “sporty” and others are not. But raising my own daughters has shown me that children are a product of their environment—when they’re encouraged and supported, they can thrive in almost any discipline.

Finding a team sport for girls isn’t always easy, but with a little searching (as I discovered when looking for a netball club for my daughter), opportunities are out there.

4. Navigate Social Media Together

Ah, social media—the hot potato of modern parenting!

I’ll admit, I felt my youngest was too young when she got her first phone at 10. But with so many of her friends already connected, I eventually gave in. Like many parents, I was concerned about the challenges: online bullying, grooming, and the endless stream of content.

Here’s the good news: parents still hold more power than we think. Children don’t buy their own phones—we do. That gives us the responsibility (and opportunity) to set boundaries.

Explore parental controls, learn how to restrict apps, and stay informed. Organizations like the NSPCC offer excellent resources on keeping kids safe online.

It’s not about banning everything—it’s about guiding our children to use social media wisely.

5. Teach Girls to Use Their Voice

Confidence grows when girls learn to speak up and know that their voice matters.

Start small. Offer choices early, like asking whether she wants to wear the yellow dress or the blue one. This simple practice teaches decision-making and builds a foundation of empowerment.

As she grows, peer pressure will become a bigger challenge. That’s why it’s so important for girls to know from a young age that their voice has value—even if it means standing out from the crowd.

For shy or quiet girls, performing arts or creative writing can be excellent ways to practice self-expression. But most importantly, remind your daughter that practice makes progress. The more she speaks up—at home, at school, or with friends—the more confident she’ll become.

Final Thoughts

Raising confident girls in today’s world isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding roles we have as parents. By modeling positive body image, teaching media awareness, encouraging team sports, guiding social media use, and inspiring them to use their voices, we can equip our daughters to thrive.

Our girls deserve to grow up knowing they are strong, valued, and capable of achieving great things. And with our guidance, they will.

Building confidence in girls requires intentional parenting, but the rewards are immeasurable. How have you helped your daughter grow in confidence? I’d love to hear your experiences!

I love to know how you have inspired confidence in your little girl. Please kindly leave your comments.

Additional reading:

MediaSmart – Education from the Advertising Industry; https://mediasmart.uk.com/

NSPCC, https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

Raising Girls in the 21^st Century, a book by Steve Biddulph