Denise Chrisman

• Telling a girl she is lovely and worthwhile will have little impact on her self-esteem. If she truly dislikes herself, she will not believe us. She needs to feel from within she is valued and worthwhile. She needs to be empowered.
  
  
• Arrange for her to participate in an activity that will enhance her confidence in herself. An example of this is a leadership camp or Ropes course.
  
  
• Teach problem solving.
  
  
• Help her identify unhealthy relationships and help her to discover how damaging these relationships can be.
  
  
• Teach her about inner conflict. Discuss with her the turmoil we go through if our inner self-conflicts with the portrayal of ourselves we give to others.
  
  
• Encourage Cultural Pride. Help her learn about her culture. As she is learning, focus on the strength and survival skills of her particular cultural. Teach her to be proud of whom she is. This will help her overcome oppression.
  
  
• Create a list of her positive characteristics and accomplishments. Post the list in a visible place where is can be viewed daily.
  
  
• Compliment her on her positive characteristics and accomplishments. Be sincere, look her straight in the eye, and tell her something you admire about her.
  
  
• Use positive communicative interaction.
  
  
• Accept her feelings, both positive and negative. Negative feelings are as normal as positive feelings and should be accepted as a part of life.
  
  
• Attend events the she is involved in that are important to her.
  
  
• Treat her with respect.
  
  
• Use genuine encouragement and praise.
  
  
• Accept her as she is. Let her know she is accepted as she is. DO not base this on behavior.
  
  
• Give her opportunities. She needs opportunities for making decisions, for being responsible, to experience competence and confidence.
  
  
• Make her mistakes OK.