How to Raise a Strong Woman

A strong woman begins her journey with the support of other strong people. Here’s how you can support your daughter to reach her full potential.

Nobody walks out of the womb as a resilient, independent, and confident person. It’s something that parents lovingly teach their children. So how can we guarantee that we’re raising our daughters to be strong women?

From key qualities to helpful tips, this article will guide you in raising your daughter to be a strong, confident woman.

Qualities of a Strong Woman

Strong woman is subjective; the definition can change depending on the situation and your personal values. But these are some traits that people often think of when imagining a strong woman:

Resilience

Strong women are able to bounce back from challenges and setbacks with determination and grace. They don’t let failures define them but rather use them as learning experiences.

Independence

They are self-reliant and capable of making decisions on their own. They don’t need to depend solely on others for their happiness or success.

Confidence

Strong women believe in themselves and their abilities. They’re not afraid to take risks or speak their minds, even in the face of criticism.

Empathy

Despite their strength, they have a compassionate and understanding nature. They’re able to connect with others on an emotional level and offer support when needed.

Authenticity

Strong women stay true to themselves and their values. They don’t feel the need to conform to societal expectations or change who they are to please others.

Ambition

They have clear goals and are driven to achieve them. Whether it’s in their career, personal life, or relationships, they strive for excellence and aren’t afraid to pursue their dreams.

Adaptability

Strong women are flexible and adaptable in various situations. They can navigate through change and uncertainty with resilience and composure.

Assertiveness

They’re able to assert themselves confidently and express their needs and boundaries. They’re not afraid to advocate for themselves and others when necessary.

Leadership

Many strong women naturally take on leadership roles, whether it’s in their careers, communities, or families. They inspire and empower those around them to reach their full potential.

Self-Care

Strong women prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They understand the importance of self-care and make time to recharge and nurture themselves.

How to Raise a Strong Woman

To raise a strong woman, we need to nurture the traits above, instilling values that help her grow physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Here are some strategies to help raise a strong woman:

1. Encourage Self-Expression

Create an environment where your daughter feels comfortable expressing herself openly and honestly. Encourage her to share her thoughts, feelings, and opinions, and validate her experiences.

2. Teach Resilience

Help your daughter understand that failure and setbacks are a natural part of life and an opportunity for growth. Encourage her to persevere in the face of challenges and support her in developing resilience and coping skills.

3. Promote Independence

Begin fostering independence by encouraging your daughter to take on responsibilities and make decisions for herself. Allow her to learn from her mistakes and develop problem-solving skills.

4. Build Confidence

Boost your daughter’s self-esteem by acknowledging her strengths and accomplishments. Encourage her to pursue her interests and passions, and provide support as she sets and achieves her goals.

5. Challenge Stereotypes

Teach your daughter to question and challenge stereotypes and societal expectations. Encourage her to pursue activities and interests regardless of traditional gender roles.

6. Cultivate Empathy and Kindness

Help your daughter develop empathy and compassion by teaching her to consider the feelings and perspectives of others. Encourage acts of kindness and generosity, and lead by example in demonstrating empathy towards others.

7. Provide Positive Role Models

Expose your daughter to strong female role models who embody the qualities you want her to emulate. This could include family members, mentors, historical figures, or fictional characters.

8. Encourage Education and Lifelong Learning

Emphasize the importance of education and continuous learning. Support your daughter’s intellectual curiosity and encourage her to explore new ideas and pursue her interests. As Ryan McGrath wrote in a Forbes article, “curiosity is the fuel that propels individuals to seek out new information, skills and perspectives.” And research has proven that it is this curiosity that leads to greater life satisfaction. 

9. Foster Healthy Relationships

Teach your daughter about healthy boundaries, respect, and communication in relationships. Encourage her to cultivate positive friendships and surround herself with people who uplift and support her.

10. Love Unconditionally

Above all, be there for your daughter as a source of love, guidance, and support. Listen to her without judgment, provide encouragement and reassurance, and be her biggest cheerleader as she navigates through life’s challenges and triumphs.

After all, strong women begin their journey with the support of other strong people—mothers, fathers, and all the leaders who have made a difference in the world.

Books That Build Strong Women

^{Shaelyn Topolovec earned a BA in editing and publishing from BYU, worked on several online publications, and joined the Familius family. Shae is currently an editor and copywriter who lives in California’s Central Valley.}