Here are five ways you can give your girl with her confidence and relationship skills a boost as she heads back to school:

1. Let her know it’s ok to put her hand up. Encourage her to speak up when she needs something, and when she has something to say.
2. Model good communication skills. Good communication skills and the ability to find common ground with others will help her both inside and outside the classroom.
3. Show her that doing good can be fun. There’s value in helping others. You’ll both get a sense of satisfaction, and she’ll feel pride in your accomplishments.
4. Encourage her to step outside her comfort zone. It’s never too early to share examples of girls and women who aim high or have entered careers where women are few and far between.
5. Back her up. When she puts her hand up, asserts herself, or takes the lead, let her know you’re proud of her and will support her.

Need some help with all this? What she does outside of school can set her up for a happy, fun, and productive school year…and beyond.

A recent survey of 3,500 parents, caregivers, and volunteers conducted by Girl Scouts of the USA found that Girl Scouts helps girls build exactly these kinds of skills.

Nine out of ten parents surveyed said that participating in Girl Scouts has:

• Been a positive activity for their daughter
• Made their daughter happier and more confident
• Helped her make friends
• Let her try new things in a fun, exciting environment
• Provided a safe, beneficial all-girl environment

All those new experiences and adventures can help with the nuts and bolts at school too. She’ll know she’s having fun and new adventures every time she’s at Girl Scouts, but you’ll know she’s gaining:

• Important financial literacy skills as she participates in the largest girl-run business in the world—the Girl Scout Cookie Program
• Skills that will help her in science classes as she builds robots, conducts fun experiments with her friends, or explores the natural world around her
• Healthy relationship skills that will help her throughout her life, particularly in middle school and high school
• Leadership skills that will make it easier for her to speak up in class

Need more? Find out how Girl Scout program for girls at every age level dovetails with national and state core curriculum standards. Register your daughter for Girl Scouts today!

Can’t wait to get started? Check out a list of fun activities you can do with your daughter today!