Compliments for Your Daughter: 25 Nice Things to Say to Empower Her
Anyone raising a daughter can agree this is no easy task — one that comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. However, one of the most powerful yet underrated tools you as a parent have access to is the ability to give meaningful and empowering compliments for your daughter.
Compliments shape a young girl’s self-esteem, influence her self-perception, and guide her emotional and psychological development. But while it’s natural to want to shower your daughter with praise, it’s essential to focus on the right types of praise. Not all compliments are created equal, and it’s important to note that words really do have a significant influence in young people’s lives. Certain types of compliments, though well-intentioned, can have unintended consequences.
By understanding the right types of compliments to use and when to use them, you can positively impact your daughter’s life as she grows up. Let’s discuss how different types of compliments can influence a growing girl’s sense of self and what kinds of compliments for your daughter can make the most meaningful, positive impact.
Looks-Based Compliments May Cause More Damage Than Good
Let’s talk about the impact of compliments that focus on appearance. When you constantly tell your daughter how cute or pretty she looks, it sends a powerful message: that her appearance is important.
As a mother, you have the opportunity to shape a different perspective. You can steer away from emphasizing looks and instead highlight other amazing qualities. After all, a female’s body goes through countless changes — puberty, pregnancy, stress, menopause — throughout a lifetime. What remains constant are traits like intelligence, kindness, strength, and resilience, which truly define and stay with us, no matter what.
So, rather than praising physical traits that can perpetuate unrealistic standards, celebrate the qualities that make your daughter truly exceptional as an individual human being.
Compliments Shouldn’t Be Gender-Specific
Traditionally, compliments given to kids often differed between girls and boys, reinforcing gender stereotypes that have been passed down for generations. While boys might be praised for their bravery or intelligence, girls frequently receive compliments on their appearance or amenable behavior. This discrepancy suggests that a girl’s value lies in her looks or ability to please others rather than her skills and achievements.
If you want to break this cycle of gender-based characteristics and set the stage for the next generation of daughters (and sons) to embrace their individuality in their own right, then you can start with how you talk to your child.
The Harm of “Feminine” Attributes
Praising girls for being “good little girls” or emphasizing traditionally feminine attributes like compliance, submissiveness, and self-sacrifice can be detrimental. These stereotypes can limit a girl’s perception of her potential and her role in society.
While there is a time and place for both genders to embrace these traits, it’s essential also to recognize and encourage traits that foster independence, strength, and self-confidence. By supporting a balanced, compassionate, and empowered approach to communication and relationships, you inspire your daughter to be not just a “good girl” but a good person.
The Right Kinds of Compliments for Your Daughter
To truly empower and inspire your daughter, focus on compliments that celebrate her individuality and inner qualities. Praise her for the things that make her unique and special, encouraging her to embrace and develop her talents and strengths to be the best version of herself.
Her Individuality
Recognize what makes your daughter unique. Whether it’s her sense of humor, her love for reading, or her passion for science, acknowledging her individuality helps her understand that she doesn’t have to fit into any mold to be valued and loved. She can be her authentic self and feel comfortable that it’s okay to do so.
Her Kindness
Kindness is a trait that transcends all others in its importance. Complimenting your daughter on her kindness can reinforce the importance of empathy and compassion. Comments like “I love how you always think of others” or “Your kindness to your friends is wonderful” highlight the value of caring for others.
Her Creativity
Creativity is a powerful tool for problem-solving and self-expression. Whether your daughter loves to draw, write music, or develop innovative solutions to problems, praise her creative efforts. Statements like “Your drawing is so imaginative” or “I love how you think outside the box” can encourage her to continue exploring her creative potential.
Her Determination
Perseverance and determination are essential traits for success in any field. Complimenting your daughter for her hard work and persistence, rather than just her innate abilities, teaches her the value of effort and resilience. Praise like “I’m so proud of how hard you worked on that project” or “Your determination to learn this new skill is inspiring” emphasizes the importance of dedication.
25 Compliments for Your Daughter (That Have Nothing to Do with Appearance)
Here are just a few examples of empowering compliments that you can give your daughter:
- “You should be so proud of how hard you worked on that project.”
- “Your kindness to others is wonderful.”
- “You’re such a strong person!”
- “Your drawing is so imaginative.”
- “You are so brave to try these new things.”
- “I love how you always think of others.”
- “I admire your determination to learn this new skill.”
- “I love your fashion style!”
- “Your confidence in yourself is inspiring.”
- “You have a positive way of looking at things.”
- “You are such a great listener. People feel comfortable talking to you.”
- “You are so passionate about [TOPIC]. I learn so much from you!”
- “Your positivity lights up the room!”
- “You have such a great memory! Way to go!”
- “You did a wonderful job of controlling your anger just now. I bet that was hard.”
- “You’re incredibly creative.”
- “Your attention to detail is so helpful!”
- “That was great teamwork! You are a good team player.”
- “I appreciate that you are always willing to be honest with me and yourself.”
- “Your ideas are always so original and insightful.”
- “You are such a great friend.”
- “People naturally trust and look to you; you are a great leader.”
- “I appreciate how you make even the hardest tasks so much more fun.”
- “You have a fantastic sense of humor.”
- “There’s no one in the world like you. I am so lucky to be your mother.”
By focusing your compliments on traits and actions that shape your daughter’s character, you support her in developing a strong sense of self-worth, resilience, and confidence.
Empowering Compliments for a Brighter Future
As a girl mom, you have the profound responsibility and privilege of raising the next generation of empowered, resilient young women. By focusing on complimenting your daughter’s individuality, kindness, creativity, and determination instead of physical or stereotypically ‘feminine’ traits, you help her appreciate her true worth beyond superficial attributes. Everyone is unique and special in their own way, and your goal is to recognize and nurture her strengths so that she can become the best version of herself.
With your unconditional support and empowering guidance, your daughter can grow into a confident, capable woman who will go on to make profoundly positive differences in the world around her. Focus on the important characteristics, choose your words wisely, and compliment your daughter for the incredible individual she is to help her reach her full potential.
What is your favorite way to compliment your daughter? What compliment have you given her that makes her light up? Share your stories in the comments below!
