Activities For Girls That Build Self-esteem

Seven in 10 girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way with regard to their looks, school performance or in relationships with friends and family members, according to a 2008 national report by the Dove Self-Esteem Fund. Low self-esteem can lead to a number of problems including eating disorders, drug and alcohol use, bullying, cutting and other destructive behavior.

Sports

According to The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Report, research suggests that participating in exercise and sports programs can improve girls' mental health by offering them positive feelings about body image, improved self-esteem, tangible experiences of competency and success and increased self-confidence. The research also shows that high-school female athletes report higher grades and standardized test scores, lower dropout rates and a higher likelihood to go to college than their non-athletic counterparts. According to the KidsHealth website, exercise also helps maintain a healthy weight and good health, releases brain chemicals that improve mood, and, through team sports, can help foster friendships.

Clubs and Student Government

According to "See Jane Win: The Rimm Report on How 1,000 Girls Became Successful Women," released in 1999, more than half of the women in the report belonged to the Girl Scouts or another all-girl organization when they were children and often commented that their leaders were good role models for independence. The women were also involved in other extracurricular activities---women in government were more likely to have been active in student government, media women were often in drama clubs and attorneys frequently took part in debate teams.

Travel

In "See Jane Win: The Rimm Report on How 1,000 Girls Became Successful Women," many of the women mentioned travel as one of their positive childhood experiences. Traveling exposes girls to new experiences and can show them that there are opportunities and different ways of life outside their own.

Volunteering

According to the KidsHealth website, making a positive contribution through volunteering can help build self-esteem. Helping others can give girls a sense of purpose and a different perspective on their own lives and the lives of others.

Spending Time with Parents

According to the 2008 national report by the Dove Self-Esteem Fund, 93 percent of girls with low self-esteem wished their parents understood them better, listened to them more or spent more time with them. Parents can help their daughters develop confidence and positive views of themselves through compliments, showing interest in their lives and discussing their activities and interests.