Children learn a lot from the way they are spoken to. It is important that words be used in a manner that helps build confidence and not shatter self-respect into pieces. Yuki Hayashi and Kathryn Hayward in their article suggest eights ways to walk the girls to yield them into a life of high self-confidence through talking. However, their suggestions are applicable to both genders. Some of the suggestions they made are listed below:
1) let children play with toys in a non-judgemental way. That is, don’t characterize toys as girl toys or boy toys. In fact, if children classify the toys as such, ask them about the basis of their classification and engage them in discussion.
2) let children decide on matters that involve them in an age appropriate manner. For example, what sports they will engage in, how family time will be spent and chores be divided.
3) praise them for their accomplishments but do not overdo it. Further, do not centre your compliments on the way they look.
4) allow them to undergo hardships so they learn to face obstacles. For instance, if they insist to not wear a sweater, let them face the consequences to learn how to make better decisions and improvise at the time of adversity; and
5) encourage them to stand up for themselves, speaking their mind and not blindly agreeing with other people by being good role models for them.
http://www.todaysparent.com/kids/how-to-talk-to-girls-8-ways-to-improve-your-daughters-self-esteem/