This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Famous Footwear. All opinions are 100% mine.

Three Ways I Encourage My Daughter to Put Her Best Foot Forward

For four years I was a mom to boys. I lived in a testosterone zone with my husband and two sons. We did things boys love to do, and I actually had come to enjoy them too. Then BabyCake was born. I wondered if I could adapt to finally having a daughter after years of boy mom life. I was up for the challenge! I love having a mini me to do a lot of fun girly things with, but since she is the youngest I want to make sure her wants and dreams aren’t overshadowed by her brothers.

Here’s three ways I encourage my daughter to put her best foot forward daily:

1. By telling her to set her intentions: I explain to my daughter that if she intends to do something, whatever she wants to do, she can make it happen. Two weeks ago she learned how to ride her bike without training wheels. I told her to say “I will ride my bike today!” and then told her to get on her bike. I held on for a little bit, and after the first try she was confident enough to ride her bike herself. We cheered big time and she believed that she could accomplish anything she intends to do.
2. By boosting her confidence: I tell my daughter every day that she’s smart, that she’s an excellent reader, that she’s great at math, and that she’s beautiful. As a homeschool parent, I notice that if children don’t feel confident enough in certain subjects, they won’t do as well with their school work. Telling children that they are great at something works wonders when it comes to them actually accomplishing those things. As soon as I tell my daughter she’s an excellent reader, she does 10x better at reading. Also telling girls that they are beautiful just the way they are at a young age creates a more positive body image as they grow older. Self-love can be cultivated in Kindergarten.

3. By allowing her to explore her own interests: I make sure to ask BabyCake what she likes and what she wants. This is uninfluenced by the thoughts of others. I let her pick out her own clothes and shoes that she enjoys wearing. Wearing Kenneth Cole Reaction Kids’ Audra Burst Sandal Pre/Grade School shoes that she picks herself and loves makes her feel confident enough to put her best foot forward in everything that she does.

Running, jumping and simply feeling free and empowered while enjoying life is how I love to see my little girl.

It’s a high priority of mine that I raise my daughter to feel like she can accomplish anything that she sets out to do. What are some things you do to encourage your children to put their best foot forward and accomplish their goals? Share in the comments and on Twitter and Instagram @FamousFootwear your top Famous Footwear shoe picks for this summer and how they help you or your child put their best foot forward!