One survey conducted by the American Association of University Women found that 69 percent of elementary school girls reported being “happy the way I am.” By high school, that figure had dropped to just 29 percent.

What can you do as a parent to help your daughter continue to feel good about herself?

• Help your daughter see herself as intelligent and capable. Say things like, “That’s a really good idea.”
• Encourage your daughter to take part in some team sport. She’ll feel good about her body and she’ll learn skills that will help her get along with others.
• Expect your daughter to do well in math and science. These subjects can be mastered through hard work. Don’t say, “I was never good in math, either.” Instead, say, “You can get this if you work at it.”

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