Summer is a time of adventure, exploration, and endless possibilities. It’s the perfect season to help girls build confidence and stay active while delving into the fascinating worlds of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Whether you’re a parent, a mentor, a coach, or an influential individual, you can create an environment that nurtures curiosity and independence for girls. Here are some tips to make summer a time of growth and discovery.

Build Confidence Early

Confidence is like a muscle — the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Summer, with its many opportunities for outdoor activities and new experiences, is the best time to start building this muscle. The early years are pivotal for developing self-esteem and instilling confidence. As a role model for girls, you can help them create a healthy sense of self-worth and a positive attitude toward themselves and their abilities when you:

  • Challenge gender stereotypes – Summer camp and family outings provide countless opportunities to encourage girls to explore all interests and passions, regardless of traditional gender roles. Whether it’s rock climbing, coding camp, or science experiments, suggest a variety of activities to help girls discover what they truly enjoy.
  • Praise effort over achievements – Celebrate effort and perseverance during summer projects, whether it’s a DIY arts and craft project, a science experiment, or a new sport. This fosters a growth mindset in girls, emphasizing that dedication and resilience are key to achieving success in STEM and beyond.
  • Encourage healthy competition and risk-taking – Participation in sports and games can help girls develop resilience, teamwork, and a competitive spirit. Encourage them to try new things, even if they aren’t immediately successful. Failure is a powerful learning opportunity that can help girls build confidence and learn to take healthy risks.

Foster a Strong Body and Mind

Physical activity has a powerful impact on girls’ mental and emotional well-being. Regular moderate to vigorous activity not only improves physical health but also boosts cognitive abilities and enhances mood. You can help girls stay active and reap all the benefits that come with it by doing the following:

  • Help girls find activities they enjoy – Not every girl is interested in traditional sports such as softball or volleyball, and that’s okay! Encourage her to try out different activities until she finds something she truly loves, whether it’s dancing, skateboarding, martial arts, or hiking.
  • Make active play a family affair – Girls learn by example, and seeing the women and men in their lives lead an active lifestyle can inspire them to do the same. So, go for a family bike ride, take a walk together after dinner, or sign up for a charity run as a family.
  • Teach girls the importance of self-care – Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and social life can often lead girls to neglect their own well-being. Teach girls the importance of taking care of themselves by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and finding time to relax and recharge.

Nurture Curiosity and a Love for Learning

Curiosity fuels innovation and creativity. It encourages girls to explore, question, and discover new things. It’s what drives a passion for learning and ultimately leads to success in STEM – or, any field. Here are some ways you can foster girls’ curiosity:

  • Allow unstructured playtime – It may seem counterintuitive, but unstructured playtime is crucial for stimulating girls’ creativity and problem-solving skills. Simple activities such as building with blocks, solving puzzles, or creating art without rules or guidelines can do wonders for cognitive development.
  • Expose girls to diverse experiences – Take girls on field trips, visit museums and science centers, and expose them to different cultures and ways of life. These experiences will broaden their horizons, spark their curiosity, and help them understand the world in a more holistic way.
  • Be involved and engaged – Show genuine interest in what girls are learning and encourage them to ask questions. Be open to having discussions and debates, even if it means admitting you don’t have all the answers. This will create a safe space for them to explore new ideas without the fear of judgment.

Empower the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

Raising confident, active girls who can thrive in STEM fields is not an easy task, but with these tips, you can start building the foundation for their success. By fostering their confidence, nurturing their physical and mental well-being, and encouraging their curiosity and love for learning, you’re equipping girls with the tools they need to excel, not just in science and engineering but in every aspect of their lives.

Play Like a Girl is dedicated to leveling the playing field for girls in STEM by providing resources, support, and opportunities to help them reach their full potential. Join us in our mission and, together, let’s empower the next generation of women leaders and innovators. Enroll in a program today to make a difference!