Girl Power; How to Encourage Your Daughter to Make a Difference

When it comes to raising strong and powerful young women, there’s no question that girl power is the key. Girls who feel empowered are more likely to take on challenges and make a difference in the world. Here are four ways to encourage your daughter to embrace her girl power:

Help her find her voice.

One of the most important things girls can do to empower themselves is find their voice and use it. This starts with giving them a space to express themselves, whether it’s through writing, art, or music. Encourage your daughter to be herself and share her thoughts and feelings honestly. Being able to speak up can prevent her from falling into an abusive relationship in the future.

Help her find her passion.

When girls are passionate about something, they’re more likely to embrace their girl power. Encourage your daughter to find something she’s passionate about and devote herself to it. Whether it’s a sport, a hobby, or a cause when girls are passionate about something they can change the world.

Let her lead by example.

The best way to empower your daughter is by setting a good example for her. Show her that you’re confident and strong and that you’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe in. Let her see that you can be yourself and still succeed. Girls who see their mothers as strong role models are more likely to embrace their own girl power.

Provide your daughter with books.

Giving your daughter books that encourage her to be a strong female, is one of the simplest ways to help her discover ways she can make a difference in the world. Children’s books that share the biography of strong women in history will give them more confidence.

Here are a few book suggestions:

Grasping Mysteries, Girls Who Loved Math

By Jeannine Atkins

Ages 10 and up

In this gorgeously written biographical novel-in-verse, a companion to Finding Wonders: Three Girls Who Changed Science, learn about seven groundbreaking women in math and science.

Strut, Baby, Strut

By Amika Kroll, Illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Ages 1-5

In this inspiring and heartfelt board book, girls of all ages are encouraged to believe in themselves and be proud of who they are.

A Dinosaur Named Ruth

By Julia Lyon, Illustrated by Alexandra Bye

Ages 4-8

For fans of Shark Lady and from the New York Times bestselling illustrator of Dr. Fauci comes the inspiring true story of a girl who found dinosaur bones in her very own backyard. After years of effort, they were able to uncover one of the most important paleontological finds in recent history.

Harriet’s Ruffled Feathers

By Joy McCullough, Illustrated by Romina Galotta

Ages 4-8

Harriet Lawrence Hemenway was a hat lover. She adored them with bows and flowers, embroidery, and pearls… and FEATHERS! What could be better than a hat with magnificent feathers? Harriet, though, learned that millions of birds died so that she and her friends could flutter about in style. A passion for fashion was one thing, but this was feather-brained!

Harriet took the lead in outlawing feathers, pushing through legislation that made it illegal to buy or sell wild bird feathers. She formed the Massachusetts Audubon Society in 1896, which became a nationwide organization that still protects birds today!

Alice Waters Cooks Up a Food Revolution

By Diane Stanley, illustrated by Jessie Hartland

Ages 4-8

A wonderful nonfiction book about culinary pioneer Alice Waters, who started the organic food movement.

The Katha Chest

By Radhiah Chowdhury, Illustrated by Lavanya Naidu

Ages 4-8

In this exquisite tale about family ties, culture, and memory, a young girl explores her family history through her grandmother’s katha chest.

Parker Shines On

By Parker Curry & Jessica Curry, Illustrated by Brittany Jackson

Ages 4-8

The team behind Parker Looks up, a New York Times bestselling book, returns with an encouraging tale about Parker making a new friend and learning about self-expression, opening your heart, and assisting others.

Susie B Won’t Back Down

By Margaret Finnegan

Ages 8-12

The novel is narrated in letters to Susan B. Anthony, the hero of the story, about a young girl’s campaign for student council president.

Black Ballerina’s

By Misty Copeland, Illustrated by Salena Barnes

Ages 10 and up

Misty Copeland’s new nonfiction book is a celebration of dancers of color who have influenced her on and off the stage.

Young Adults

Rima’s Rebellion

By Margarita Engle

Ages 12 and up

In the 1920s, a young girl becomes infatuated with her teacher while falling in love for the first time and discovering the bravery to speak out for women’s suffrage in Cuba.

Embracing girl power is important in raising strong and powerful young women. Girls can achieve anything they set their minds, with the right support. So encourage your daughter to embrace her girl power, and watch her make a difference in the world.