Encouraging Girls to Embrace Challenges and Take Risks

25 February 2026

Growing up, girls often hear messages that subtly (or not so subtly) encourage them to play it safe. Whether it’s being told to "be careful" more often than boys or being praised for being quiet and obedient, many young girls internalize the belief that taking risks is dangerous or wrong.

But here’s the thing—challenges and risks are what lead to growth, confidence, and success. If we want to raise strong, independent, and resilient young women, we need to encourage them to step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and embrace challenges head-on.

Why Is Risk-Taking Important for Girls?

Risk-taking isn’t just about doing something adventurous or dangerous—it’s about having the confidence to try new things, speak up, and make decisions without fear of failure. Girls who learn to take risks early on develop essential life skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.

1. Builds Confidence and Resilience

When girls take risks and face challenges, they prove to themselves that they’re capable. Whether it’s trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of a class, or starting a new hobby, each risk they take builds their self-confidence.

2. Encourages a Growth Mindset

A "growth mindset" is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and persistence. Encouraging girls to embrace challenges teaches them that failure is just a stepping stone to success, not something to be feared.

3. Prepares Them for Leadership

Many leadership roles require decision-making, risk-taking, and resilience. If girls aren’t given opportunities to practice these skills, they may hesitate to step into leadership positions later in life.

How to Encourage Girls to Take Risks and Embrace Challenges

So, how do we help shift the narrative and empower young girls to tackle challenges with courage? Here are some practical ways to encourage risk-taking and resilience in girls:

1. Reframe Failure as a Learning Opportunity

Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of the process. Teach girls that mistakes aren’t something to be ashamed of but something to learn from. Share stories of successful women who faced failures and setbacks before achieving their goals.

For example, did you know that Oprah Winfrey was once told she wasn’t fit for television? Imagine if she had let that stop her!

2. Teach the Importance of Effort Over Perfection

Many girls struggle with perfectionism, feeling like they have to do everything "just right" to succeed. Instead of praising girls for being "perfect" or "naturally talented," praise their effort. Say things like:

- "I love how hard you worked on that project!"
- "You really pushed yourself outside your comfort zone today. That’s amazing!"

This shift in language reinforces the idea that effort matters more than getting everything right the first time.

3. Encourage Girls to Try New Things

Expose girls to different activities, hobbies, and experiences. Encourage them to try a new sport, join a club, or take up coding, robotics, or public speaking. The more they explore, the less afraid they’ll be to tackle new challenges in the future.

If they hesitate, remind them that trying something new isn’t about being the best—it’s about having fun and growing.

4. Let Them Make Decisions and Solve Problems

It can be tempting to step in and fix things for our kids, but giving girls opportunities to make their own decisions builds their problem-solving skills.

For instance, if your daughter is struggling with a school project, resist the urge to take over. Instead, ask guiding questions:

- "What do you think would work best?"
- "Have you considered trying it another way?"
- "What’s your plan if this doesn’t work?"

Encouraging critical thinking and decision-making helps them feel capable and in control.

5. Model Risk-Taking and Resilience

Kids learn by watching the adults in their lives. If they see you avoiding challenges or being afraid to take risks, they’ll likely adopt the same mindset. Show them what it looks like to step outside your comfort zone.

Try something new, admit when you're struggling, and talk about how you handle setbacks. Let them see that challenges are a part of life, and facing them head-on makes you stronger.

6. Encourage Healthy Competition

Competition can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it teaches important lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and pushing oneself beyond perceived limits. Encourage girls to participate in competitive activities, whether it's sports, debate teams, science fairs, or other contests.

More importantly, teach them that winning isn’t everything—what matters most is putting in their best effort and learning from the experience.

7. Support Their Interests, Even If They’re Unconventional

Society often pushes girls toward certain "acceptable" activities while discouraging them from traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering, science, or leadership roles. If your daughter shows interest in something unconventional, support her wholeheartedly.

Whether she wants to become a race car driver, a scientist, or a video game designer, remind her that she’s capable of achieving anything she sets her mind to.

8. Challenge Gender Stereotypes

Girls often receive subtle messages that discourage them from being bold or taking risks. These messages can come from the media, school, or even well-meaning friends and family.

When you hear someone say things like, "Girls aren’t good at math" or "That’s too dangerous for a girl," challenge it. Teach the girls in your life that their gender doesn’t define their abilities or limit their potential.

9. Encourage Physical Activities That Push Limits

Sports and outdoor adventures like rock climbing, skateboarding, or martial arts teach valuable lessons about resilience, confidence, and pushing through fear. Encourage girls to engage in activities that challenge them physically and mentally.

10. Surround Them with Positive Role Models

Representation matters. Introduce girls to strong female role models who have taken risks and succeeded in various fields. Read books, watch documentaries, or follow stories about inspiring women like Malala Yousafzai, Amelia Earhart, or Serena Williams.

Having role models who demonstrate courage and perseverance can inspire girls to pursue their own dreams without fear.

Final Thoughts

Raising confident, resilient, and fearless girls starts with how we encourage and support them. When we teach girls that challenges are opportunities, that failure is a step toward success, and that they are capable of anything, we give them the foundation they need to take on the world.

So, let’s stop telling girls to "be careful" all the time and start telling them, "You’ve got this!" Because the truth is—they do.