In her book, Smart Girls, Gifted Women , Barbara Kerr explores the common experiences of girls who grew into strong women. She found that women like Eleanor Roosevelt, Gertrude Stein, Margaret Mead, Marie Curie and others shared similar experiences. Encourage participation in sports. Participation in sports helps to develop leadership skills, boost self-esteem and grades, and promotes physical fitness and health. Playing sports is also a risk-taking behavior.
Athletes learn to win, to lose, to handle pressure and to co-operate.
Drive your daughter to practices, cheer her on, be an active role model. Encourage fun and fitness rather than slimming attributes. Watch women's sports on television or take in some live events together. Your words are powerful and can influence attitudes and performance in school and at home. Be sure to focus on your daughter's skills and ideas rather than her appearance.