Are you a mom who spends a lot of time wondering if your daughter is strong enough to make it in the world?

Are you worried about your daughter’s lack of self-confidence or her seeming inability to get the grades you very well know she can get?

I see you, Momma!

I am a mom too and I have spent the past 23 years being an anxious mom!

I went from “Does he know which classroom to walk to?, “Will he not trip and stumble on his way there?”, “Will he be well-liked and have a lot of friends?”, “Will he make sure that he has answered each and every item in his test before he submits it?” to “Will he be able to impress his employers?”, “Will he find the right girl to marry?”, “Will he be able to provide well for his family?”

And sadly, I have spent the past 15 years thinking about all the what-if’s, wishing I did this and said that, wishing I knew then what I know now.

So believe me, I know how much you love your daughters. I understand how much you want them to thrive in every way possible.

If you’re feeling guilty, believe me, it’s that which keeps me awake at night!

Your dream of seeing them confident, resilient and unstoppable as they pursue their own dreams is my own dream too!

The thing is, the journey of self-discovery can be challenging, especially for girls who face societal pressures and self doubt.

And it can be challenging for you too, Momma, when you measure your child’s abilities solely on academic performance.

And it’s not really your fault if this is you.

It’s because of the schools who have long accepted Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and should know better but act as if the academic awards are the most important awards.

I know that these schools will refute this claim but when you look at how the recognition program is laid out or the way graduation ceremonies are held, you will see that other awards look like minor awards, even more so today with the recent curriculum in the country.

As much as I hate to admit it (because I used to be a teacher), the school curriculum is not designed to empower each and every child in a class of thirty or more.

That’s why I’m here to tell you not to rely solely on the school curriculum for your daughter’s empowerment.

School is not enough.

She needs more opportunities to recognize her talents and her strengths. She has to know that her talents and abilities matter! And she has to receive the tools she needs to grow and develop into the strong, confident and empowered woman that she has every right to someday be!

So let’s start with what you can do at home!

Look at her unique talents and passions. As a guide, here are the different multiple intelligences according to Garner:

1.Visual-Spatial Intelligence: If your daughter is a visual learner who loves art, design, or spatial reasoning, encourage her to express herself through creative outlets like painting, drawing, crafting, or exploring the world through maps and models. Embrace her creativity and help her see the beauty in her unique perspective!

2.Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: If your daughter is a hands-on learner who enjoys physical activities and movement, support her in exploring her athletic, dance, or acting skills. Engage in sports, yoga, dance, or other physical activities that make her feel alive. Help her see the power of her body and movement as a means of self-expression!

3.Musical Intelligence: If your daughter loves music, rhythm, and sound, encourage her to play a musical instrument, sing, dance to the beats, or create her own tunes. Let her immerse herself in the world of music and discover her own unique voice!

4.Linguistic Intelligence: If your daughter is a wordsmith who enjoys language, communication, and storytelling, empower her to write, read, speak, or engage in debates and discussions. Help her develop her communication skills and encourage her to share her thoughts and ideas with confidence and clarity!

5.Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: If your daughter is a logical thinker who enjoys problem-solving, patterns, and puzzles, support her in engaging in critical thinking, strategy games, math challenges, or scientific experiments. Encourage her analytical mind and help her see the power of her logical thinking in solving real-world problems!

6.Interpersonal Intelligence: If your daughter is a social butterfly who enjoys connecting with others, understanding emotions, and building relationships, empower her to engage in teamwork, leadership, volunteering, or social activities. Help her develop her empathy, communication, and collaboration skills, and encourage her to make a positive impact on the world!

7.Intrapersonal Intelligence: If your daughter is introspective and self-reflective, with a deep understanding of her own thoughts and emotions, support her in engaging in self-care, meditation, journaling, or personal growth activities. Help her develop self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-motivation, and encourage her to embrace her unique inner world!

8.Naturalistic Intelligence: If your daughter has a love for nature, animals, and the environment, empower her to explore the outdoors, engage in gardening, or learn about environmental conservation. Encourage her to develop a deep connection with the natural world and foster her sense of stewardship towards the planet!

By embracing your daughter’s unique talents and passions through multiple intelligences, you are providing her with a powerful toolkit for self-discovery, personal growth, and success in life. You are empowering her to thrive in her own unique way, and helping her build a strong sense of self-confidence, resilience, and purpose.