Building Confidence in Girls
Confidence is one of the most important traits a girl can develop. It shapes how she sees herself, navigates challenges, and the way she steps into the world. Research shows that confidence in girls tends to drop significantly around age eight, and by the time they reach adolescence, their self-esteem is, on average, 30% lower than that of boys (Ypulse, 2018). This decline can impact everything from academic performance to leadership aspirations. But confidence isn’t just about feeling good—it’s a critical factor in a girl's success, resilience, and overall well-being.
At Joyful Girls Club®, we believe that every girl deserves to feel strong, capable, and worthy. Cultivating confidence early can empower girls to take risks, advocate for themselves, and pursue their passions without hesitation. But how do we, as parents and caregivers, nurture this confidence in a meaningful way?
The Confidence Gap and Why It Starts Early
Girls start out just as confident as boys, but studies show that societal expectations, perfectionism, and fear of failure cause a sharp decline in confidence as they grow. According to a study by Keds and Girls Leadership, 74% of girls report feeling pressure to be perfect, and 30% say they feel they aren’t good enough (Girls Leadership, 2018). The pressure to be liked, perform well, and avoid mistakes often holds girls back from raising their hands, taking on leadership roles, or trying new things.
The good news? Confidence isn’t static—it grows with encouragement, experience, and the right support throughout childhood and adolescence. By understanding the factors that influence confidence, we can create environments that allow girls to thrive.
The Power of Encouragement & Growth Mindset
One of the most effective ways to build confidence in girls is by fostering a growth mindset. This is the belief that abilities and intelligence can develop through effort and learning. Research by psychologist Carol Dweck shows that when kids are praised for their effort rather than their talent, they become more willing to take on challenges and less afraid of failure (Dweck, 2006). Instead of saying, “You’re so smart!” try, “I love how hard you worked on that!” This subtle shift reinforces that mistakes are part of the process and not a reflection of their worth.
Encouraging girls to try new things—especially those outside their comfort zones—can also help boost confidence. Whether it’s learning a new sport, speaking up in class, or taking on a leadership role, each new experience builds resilience and self-assurance.
The Role of Representation & Positive Role Models
Confidence is often shaped by what girls see around them. When girls are exposed to strong, capable female role models—whether in their own communities or in the media—they begin to believe in their own potential. A report from the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media found that when girls see women in leadership positions in movies and TV, they are more likely to aspire to leadership themselves (GDIGM, 2019).
It’s important to introduce girls to diverse, empowering role models—women in STEM, business, sports, activism, and beyond. Books, movies, and conversations about real-life trailblazers can reinforce the message that they, too, can achieve great things.
Confidence & Mental Well-Being
Low confidence can contribute to anxiety, depression, and a reluctance to take on challenges. The Dove Self-Esteem Project found that 8 out of 10 girls avoid participating in activities they love because they don’t feel good about themselves (Dove, 2021). This avoidance can have long-term consequences, impacting their ability to take risks, build relationships, and develop resilience.
By creating safe spaces for girls to express themselves—whether through open conversations, mentorship, or affirmations—we help them internalize their worth. Simple daily affirmations like “I am strong. I am capable. I believe in myself.”can serve as powerful reminders of their value. Be sure to check out our Affirmations Journal to help with this daily practice.
How We Can Help Girls Build Confidence Every Day
While confidence isn’t something that happens overnight, small consistent actions can make a lasting impact. Here are a few ways to support girls in their confidence journey:
Encourage risk-taking by letting girls try new things without fear of failure. Remind them that mistakes are learning opportunities, not setbacks.
Model confidence by showing them what self-assurance looks like by speaking positively about yourself and embracing challenges.
Celebrate effort over perfection by reinforcing that growth comes from persistence, not immediate success.
Help them use their voices by encouraging girls to express their opinions, set boundaries, and advocate for themselves.
Expose them to strong role models by sharing stories of inspiring women and surround them with people who uplift and support them.
Confidence is one of the greatest gifts we can give to the next generation of girls. When a girl believes in herself, she isn’t afraid to chase her dreams, take up space, and make her voice heard. The Joyful Girls Club is committed to providing resources, events, and products that empower girls to grow into their most confident selves.
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