Top Tips for Teaching Self-Love and Self-Worth to Tween Girls

How to Help Girls Build a Strong, Loving Relationship with Themselves—From the Inside Out

Tween girls are at such a tender, powerful stage of life. They’re learning who they are, navigating friendship drama, facing body changes, and figuring out where they fit in the world. It’s a lot. And in a culture that often tells them they’re not “enough,” teaching self-love and self-worth isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.

The good news? You don’t need to be a therapist or have all the answers to help girls love themselves. You just need to show up with warmth, patience, and a belief that they are worthy just as they are.

Whether you're a coach, educator, mentor, or parent, here are simple, powerful ways to teach self-love and self-worth that actually stick.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Self-love isn’t about ego—it’s about knowing your value and treating yourself with kindness and respect

• Self-worth grows through consistent, caring messages from trusted adults

• Simple, intentional practices—like affirmations, reflection, and modeling—can make a lasting impact

• When a girl believes she is worthy, she is more resilient, confident, and kind—to herself and others

1. Model It First (Even Imperfectly)

Tween girls are always watching—and they learn a lot from how we treat ourselves. If you constantly put yourself down, they might do the same. Instead, try saying things like:

• “I made a mistake, but I’m still proud of myself for trying.”

• “I’m going to take a break because I deserve rest.”

• “I love that I’m always learning and growing.”

Self-love is contagious when you model it with honesty and grace.

2. Introduce Self-Love as a Daily Practice

Explain that self-love isn’t a one-time feeling—it’s something we practice, like a muscle we strengthen. Help girls explore things like:

• Speaking kindly to themselves

• Making time for what makes them feel good

• Saying no when something doesn’t feel right

• Being gentle with themselves when they mess up

🌱 Think of it as planting seeds they’ll water over time.

3. Use Affirmations That Resonate

“I am enough.”
“I am worthy of love.”
“I matter.”

Affirmations can be incredibly grounding—especially when girls speak them aloud, write them down, or hear them regularly. Let them create their own or choose ones that feel true for them. Pro tip: Affirmation card activities are always a hit!

📥 Want a printable affirmation set? Just say the word—I’d love to help!

4. Explore Self-Worth Through Journaling

Use simple prompts to help girls reflect on their inner qualities:

• What do I like about myself—on the inside?

• What makes me unique?

• When do I feel most like ME?

Journaling gives girls a private space to explore their identity without judgment—and discover they have so much to be proud of.

5. Celebrate Small Wins and Self-Awareness

Did she stand up for herself? Ask for help? Speak kindly to a friend or herself? Celebrate it. Acknowledge it. Point it out.

When we notice and reflect back their growth, girls begin to see it in themselves.

💬 Try saying: “That was really brave.” or “I noticed how kind you were to yourself today—that’s self-love in action.”

6. Normalize Imperfections

Self-love is not about being perfect. It’s about embracing who we are—even the messy, awkward, and unsure parts. Be honest about your own flaws and mistakes. Let girls know it’s okay to:

• Change their mind

• Feel all the feelings

• Be a work in progress

Perfection isn’t the goal—authenticity and compassion are.

7. Create a Self-Love Ritual

End each group session or bedtime routine with a self-love moment:

• Say one thing you’re proud of

• Share one thing you love about yourself

• Repeat an affirmation together

Rituals build consistency, comfort, and emotional safety.

💖 These small, sacred habits become the foundation of lifelong self-worth.

🌟 Want More Tools to Build Girls' Confidence from Within?

If you’re ready to bring these practices into your group, classroom, or home, check out our Shine From Within Workshop Kit. It’s packed with ready-to-use self-love activities, journaling prompts, affirmations, and more—all designed to help girls grow strong, confident, and deeply rooted in their worth.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up with love—and remind girls they are already more than enough.

You’ve got this. And so do they 💛

Which tip will you try first? I’d love to hear how you're creating spaces where self-love and self-worth can bloom.