There is no one right way to be a mom, but most mothers of girls would likely agree that it can feel daunting to raise a strong, confident daughter in today's world. From the challenges of social media to the impossible beauty standards that girls are pressured to follow, girlhood and the teenage years can be hard when it comes to growing self-confidence.
Sometimes it helps to have a daily reminder that is short, uplifting, and powerful, so we've compiled a list of 20 mantras or daily affirmations that moms can share with their daughters. Whether it is an affirmation in the morning before school or a reminder to dream big a bedtime, these sayings from real moms and other powerful women are sure to make any girl feel like she can take on the world!
'Play Like a Girl'
"As the parent of a badass female athlete, I always remind her to play like a girl before each game. I want her to remember that girls are just as strong, athletic, and sporty as boys are." β Jeannie R., Phoenix, Arizona
'My Skin and My Soul Are Beautiful'
"As the mother of Black girls, I am very aware of making sure they know they are beautiful inside and out and so is the color of their skin. I have each of them say 'My skin and my soul are beautiful' before they leave the house every day." β Denise F., Atlanta, Georgia
'No One Looks Stupid When They Are Having Fun'
This quote from the always fabulous Amy Poehler makes a great affirmation because it reminds us that having fun and living life is so much more important than trying to look cool!
'"No" Is a Complete Sentence'
"I wish I had learned that so much earlier in life! No need to caveat or apologize or even explain, 'no is a complete sentence' and all girls need to know how to say it and mean it." β Sarah B, Huntsville, Alabama
'You Cannot Hate Yourself Into Change. You Must Love Yourself Into Greatness'
Peloton instructor Emma Lovewell nails an awesome piece of advice that young women need to hear: "You cannot hate yourself into change. You must love yourself into greatness." True strength starts with self-love!
'Be Bold, Be Brave'
"My daughter is clever and creative, but she struggles with being shy and speaking up. So I write 'be bold, be brave' on her mirror or on her napkin for lunch to remind her to use her voice." β Elizabeth O., Altoona, Iowa
'If You Get Tired, Learn To Rest, Not To Quit'
This quote, attributed to the artist Banksy, is a great reminder to girls that things won't always be easy right away and that there is value in learning to last through challenging times.
'Don't Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Someone Else Warm'
"I want my daughter, who is just moving into her teenage years, to know that she doesn't have to be a martyr or someone who always has to sacrifice to make someone else happy. I wish I had understood that at her age, so I tell her this mantra all the time." β Jules R., St. Paul, Minnesota
'I Can Do Hard Things'
"'I can do hard things' is my mantra for myself and the mantra I'm teaching my daughter. It is so simple but it is something we can remind ourselves of every day, whether it is about math class or a meeting at work." β Geni H., Lansing, Michigan
'Dream Big, Fight Hard'
"My daughter and I do an affirmation every night. I say 'dream big' she says 'fight hard. Dream bigger' and I say 'fight harder' and then go out of her room for the night. I hope she ends every day feeling empowered!" β Cati B., Houston, Texas
'Be a True Diva'
When it comes to being a strong and powerful woman, any girl would do well to use BeyoncΓ© as a role model! A good affirmation would be her quote: "A true diva is graceful, and talented, and strong, and fearless and brave and someone with humility."
'Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn'
"I want my daughters to be competitive and to push themselves, but I also want them to realize that they won't always win. There is a lesson in every loss, so we say this mantra after bad days or practices." β Jamie J., Bend, Oregon
'Find Out Who You Are and Do It on Purpose'
Who doesn't love Dolly Parton? Her quote, "Find out who you are and do it on purpose," is a great life motto for any woman or girl, especially those who are still in the process of figuring themselves out.
'Work Hard, Be Kind'
"I tell my girls to work hard and be kind but I always follow up by distinguishing that I expect them to be kind but I will never ask them to be nice. Kind is having clear boundaries, being truthful, and not putting their own needs aside to take care of someone else first." β Kristy E., Mendota Heights, Minnesota
'Is This the Best Use of You?'
"John Glenn used to ask, 'Is this the best use of me?' Whenever he was presented with a new opportunity. This is my favorite thing to ask girls and women when they're presented a new opportunity. There are so many expectations put on girls, so many things they're asked to do. Asking if some activity is the best use of you turns it around. It gives the person the power back, and asks them to think about what they are good at and what fills them up instead of depletes them. It centers them in the decision." β Marta S., St. Paul, Minnesota
'You Don't Owe Anyone Pretty'
"Of course I think my daughter is pretty, but I never want her to think that is the most important thing about her. Not even close. I never want her to feel afraid to get messy or to feel like she is less than if she isn't pretty. So I remind her all the time 'You don't owe anyone pretty' and that pretty isn't the rent she needs to pay to live in the world." β Lauren H., Grand Rapids, Michigan
'Walk Away From Bad Vibes'
"Girls need to know the power of listening to gut instincts and to trust themselves when the vibes of a person or a situation feel off. I remind my daughter to walk away from bad vibes before she goes into social situations." β Annie D., San Diego, California
'I Am Strong'
"It might seem basic, but I have my daughter look in the mirror and say, 'I am strong' or, 'I am smart' every morning before school. I want her get used to saying nice things to herself." β Olivia G., Denver, Colorado
'Let's Go Beast Mode'
"I love to exercise and feel strong in my body, so I want that for my daughter too. She comes with me to workout and we always say 'Let's go, beast mode!' to pump ourselves up. I want her to know that strong is for girls too!" β Kim D., Orlando, Florida
'Write Your Own Story'
"In our house we say, 'Write your own story' when it seems like my daughter is starting to worry about comparing herself to others or when she is being stressed out by how perfect other people's lives look on social media. It's a reminder that she's in charge of her life and that it doesn't matter what other people are doing." β Winnie S., Cleveland, Ohio
