Teaching by Example: Helping Your Daughter Find Positive Female Role Models

Positive Role Models

Strong family relationships help children transition into stable and mature adults, but these relationships are especially crucial during the teenage years. Your child’s associates will strongly influence their morals, self-esteem and confidence. Unfortunately, with our media-driven culture, many teens look up to entertainers, sports figures and other celebrities as their role models. While not all of these negatively influence your children, they might not always be the best choice for your child to emulate.

The Importance of Mentors for Teens

Teenagers learn by watching and observing others. As a parent, you want to make sure your teen has positive role models to look up to and follow.

Fortunately, more than 75 percent of America’s children say they look up to family members, teachers and community leaders as their role models. Teenagers who identify with role models they know personally show stronger academics and higher levels of self-esteem .

Positive role models help shape the well-being and developing body image of your teenage daughter. She is more likely to face issues with eating disorders, sexual harassment, relationship issues and bullying. While you might assume you have an open dialogue with her, sometimes she might feel more comfortable talking to someone else for guidance and support.

You want your teenage daughter to have someone to look up to with the same values and virtues that you wish to instill in her. Role models should have positive characteristics, such as leadership and morals. The transition from childhood to adolescence is extremely challenging.

Teachers and coaches powerfully influence your teen. With a focus on education, teachers can instill intellectual curiosity and the drive for educational advancement. Coaches emphasize the value of fitness, sportsmanship and team effort.

How Working Mothers Help Their Daughters

While it is difficult to achieve balance between home and work, professional women serve as great role models for their daughters. Harvard Business School released a study in 2015 stating that children, especially daughters, benefit from mothers with a career. On average, daughters with working mothers were paid 4 percent more than their peers and were more likely to be promoted into senior positions.

Ways to Impact Your Daughter

While a system of supportive role models can positively impact your teen daughter’s life, you are the best role model for your child. Try the following tips:

  • Practice safety and behavior that you want her to emulate.
  • Teach kindness and empathy.
  • Focus on listening.
  • Set appropriate boundaries.
  • Show her love and understanding while ensuring that she is surrounded by positive influences with her best interests in mind.
  • Keep the lines of communication open.
  • Let her know that she can always approach you without fear of judgment.

If you find that your teen is hanging out with the wrong crowd, consider seeking outside help to get them back on track. Raising a troubled teenager can be difficult, and often traditional help from you and the community is not enough. Now is the time to intervene and find a program that will best fit your teenager’s unique needs.

Request Free Admissions Information

Step 1 of 3 - Your Contact Info

Written by Natalie

18 Sep, 2017

Recent Posts

Understanding Teenage Sexuality and Gender Identity

Understanding Teenage Sexuality and Gender Identity

The teen years can be challenging at the best of times. When you add in gender identity and sexual orientation, your teen may find the challenges amplified. Teens who struggle with their identity are at an increased risk of various concerns, including bullying,...

Help! My Teen is Dealing With Pornography Addiction

Help! My Teen is Dealing With Pornography Addiction

It’s not something that we’d like to think of or have to face. The reality is that pornography can pervade every aspect of our lives, including the lives of teenagers. Teens faced with chaotic influxes of hormones and confusion surrounding sex and sexuality may find...

Family Routines: 5 Tips to Get Started on A Daily Schedule

Family Routines: 5 Tips to Get Started on A Daily Schedule

Whether you once had your family on a daily schedule that you’ve let slide, or you’re now looking to integrate one into your lives, you’ll be surprised at the benefits that can come from starting up and maintaining new routines. When your little one first came home,...

What do you say to a defiant teenager?

What do you say to a defiant teenager?

Does your teen roll his eyes and ignore you when you’re trying to talk to him or get him to do his share of the household chore? A defiant teenager can be one of the most frustrating things you will have to face as a parent. You may remember the sweet toddler he once...

Helping Your Defiant Teen: 10 Ways to Parent Effectively

Helping Your Defiant Teen: 10 Ways to Parent Effectively

All of the parenting books in the world couldn’t have prepared you to parent a defiant teen. Just when you thought that you had this parenting thing down, the teen years filled with angst and defiance arrive. You may feel alone as you try to navigate this new...

10 Tips For Parents With ADHD Children

10 Tips For Parents With ADHD Children

A diagnosis of ADHD can often come as a relief to parents who have been struggling to figure out why their child has been having a difficult time. With a diagnosis comes a better idea as to how to help your child cope. Unfortunately, ADHD can also come with several...

You May Also Like…

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *