10 practical tips for raising girls

The ages between 5 and 10 represent a remarkable chapter in a girl's life. It is a season where playing with dolls begins to intertwine with the first serious reflections on friendship, self-image, and the quest for identity. During these formative years, the bedrock of self-esteem is laid, and a fundamental trust in the world is established.

We have curated 10 practical recommendations to help you nurture a well-rounded, confident, and happy individual.

1. Value effort over mere appearance

In a culture that often evaluates girls based on a "pretty face" or a lovely dress, it is vital for parents to shift the narrative. Praise your daughter for her persistence in solving a complex puzzle or for her genuine kindness toward others. This helps her understand that her true worth is rooted in her actions and her character.

2. Encourage "positive risk"

At this age, girls often fall into the trap of perfectionism, fearing they might make a mistake or look foolish. Encourage her to try new sports, climb trees, or take on ambitious projects. Learning to navigate small failures now builds the psychological resilience she will need in adulthood.

3. Foster a healthy body image

Remember that your daughter mirrors your relationship with yourself. Try to avoid criticizing your own appearance in her presence. If she constantly hears phrases like "I really need to go on a diet," she will instinctively begin to search for flaws in herself. Teach her to view her body as a remarkable tool that allows her to run, dance, and explore the world.

4. Cultivate emotional intelligence

A child’s emotions between 5 and 10 can be intense and contradictory. Help her identify and name her feelings: "Are you feeling angry right now, or are your feelings just hurt?". By understanding her inner landscape, she learns to manage her emotions rather than suppress them.

5. Teach her to defend her boundaries

A girl must know with certainty that her personal space is inviolable. This applies even to the small things—she should not be forced to hug a relative or an acquaintance if she does not wish to. The ability to say "no" at age seven will become her strongest shield in the years to come.

6. Support interest in science and technology (STEM)

Do not limit your daughter’s world to "girly" hobbies alone. Building sets, basic coding, or home science experiments are excellent for developing logic. Let her know that her intellect is capable of mastering any challenge, regardless of gender stereotypes.

7. Develop critical thinking

Watch cartoons and advertisements together and discuss what you see. Ask questions like: "Why do you think this character was designed this way?" or "Will this toy truly bring as much joy as the commercial promises?". This helps her filter out the artificial beauty standards imposed by society.

8. Teach the art of friendship and conflict resolution

Elementary school is often the setting for a girl's first social dramas. Explain the difference between healthy support and toxic behavior. Be her "safe harbor"—a place where she can discuss any school quarrel without fear of being judged or dismissed.

9. Involve her in practical life tasks

Let her help you fix something, decipher a complex manual, or plan the family budget for the weekend. Participating in "real-world" tasks gives a child an invaluable sense of agency: "I can handle this; I am capable."

10. Be a role model, not just a mentor

Your daughter is a keen observer of how you treat yourself, how you interact with your partner, and how you stand up for your own interests. Strive to be the living embodiment of the woman you hope she will become many years from now.

Essential to remember: Between the ages of 5 and 10, the most precious gift you can offer your daughter is unconditional support. When she feels accepted and loved at home exactly as she is, she gains the courage to conquer any summit.