In a world filled with social pressures, academic challenges, and digital noise, it’s easy for a young girl to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about who she is. Girls between the ages of 8 and 13 are navigating one of the most transformative stages of their lives. They’re forming their identities, learning how to relate to peers, and beginning to understand the world and their place in it. But for many girls, this journey isn’t always smooth.
If you’re a parent in Edmonton, Red Deer, or surrounding areas in Alberta, you might be wondering: How do I know if my daughter needs extra support building her confidence? That’s where confidence workshops—like those offered by Girls on Fire—can make a powerful difference. These programs offer girls a safe, supportive environment where they can explore their strengths, gain real-life skills, and rediscover the joy of being themselves.
Here are five signs that your daughter may need a confidence-building workshop this year—and why now is the perfect time to take action.
1. She’s Constantly Doubting Herself or Using Negative Self-Talk
“I’m not good enough.”
“I can’t do anything right.”
“I’ll never be as good as them.”
If you’ve heard your daughter express these kinds of thoughts, you’re not alone. Many young girls struggle with imposter syndrome and a fear of failure before they even reach high school. This often stems from societal messaging, peer comparison, and even perfectionism. But when this type of negative self-talk becomes a daily habit, it can severely limit your child’s potential.
At Girls on Fire, our confidence workshops for girls in Alberta are built on the belief that confidence is a skill—not a personality trait. Through growth mindset exercises, vision board creation, martial arts, and mentoring sessions, girls learn how to turn “I can’t” into “I’m learning.” Our team encourages girls to celebrate progress, embrace effort, and push through setbacks.
2. She’s Isolating Herself Socially or Avoiding New Experiences
One of the biggest indicators of low self-esteem is social withdrawal. If your daughter used to enjoy after-school activities or playing with friends, but now avoids them altogether, she may be struggling with self-confidence. Fear of judgment, rejection, or simply not feeling “good enough” can lead girls to shut down socially.
Girls on Fire creates inclusive, team-based environments where girls are encouraged to lift each other up. Our Sparklers Mentorship Program promotes a sisterhood culture where girls build deep, meaningful friendships through shared experiences, creativity, and supportive teamwork. With the guidance of local female mentors, each participant feels seen, valued, and connected to a community.
3. She’s Struggling with Body Image or Comparing Herself to Others
By the age of 10, more than 60% of girls have already been exposed to unrealistic beauty standards on social media and in advertising. Many internalize harmful beliefs about their bodies before they’ve even entered puberty. If your daughter is showing signs of body shame, discomfort with her appearance, or obsessive comparison to others, it’s time to intervene.
Girls on Fire’s workshops include a Health & Wellness pillar that focuses on teaching young girls to nourish and respect their bodies. Through fun physical activities, discussions about healthy eating for both energy and mental health, and a focus on joyful movement rather than appearance, girls begin to redefine what it means to be strong, beautiful, and confident.
These teachings help create a positive relationship with food and body image, setting a solid foundation that can prevent long-term issues like disordered eating or low self-worth.
4. She’s Dealing with Bullying or Doesn’t Know How to Assert Herself
No parent wants to think of their child being bullied, but it’s a painful reality for many families. Whether it’s happening online, at school, or in extracurricular spaces, bullying can leave lasting emotional wounds. If your daughter is coming home upset, avoiding school, or hesitant to speak up for herself, she may lack the tools to deal with conflict.
Girls on Fire incorporates real-world self-defense and online safety training into every workshop. But it’s not just about learning how to physically protect oneself—it’s about teaching emotional strength, assertive communication, and personal boundaries.
Girls leave our programs with more than just a sense of safety. They gain the confidence to advocate for themselves and others, both in-person and in digital spaces. It’s one of the reasons parents search for “girls self-defense Edmonton” or “tween safety workshops Alberta” and find us. Girls On Fire is a program under the umbrella of the Phoenix Taekwon-do Club non profit society.
5. She Lacks Motivation, Focus, or Passion
Has your daughter lost interest in the things she used to love? Is she going through the motions at school without much enthusiasm or effort? A lack of confidence can lead to a lack of motivation. When a girl doesn’t believe in herself, she won’t see the point of setting goals—or believing she can reach them.
The Growth Mindset & Achievement module of our Sparklers program helps girls reconnect with their inner spark. We encourage them to set personal goals, celebrate every win (no matter how small), and take pride in their progress. From earning colored belts to breaking boards and graduating into leadership roles, each achievement builds unstoppable momentum.
Girls begin to see that success isn’t about being perfect—it’s about perseverance, effort, and showing up for themselves.
What Makes Girls on Fire Different?
Girls on Fire is more than just another youth program. We are a mission-driven movement to empower girls in Edmonton, Red Deer, and throughout Alberta with real-world skills, mindset tools, and sisterhood. Our workshops, mentorship programs, and annual confidence conferences are designed to address the real emotional, physical, and social challenges girls face today.
- Age-Specific Programming for girls 8–13
- Female Mentors from the community
- Hands-On Self Defense Training
- Creative Expression Activities (like journaling and vision boards)
- Safe, Supportive, and Empowering Environment
Whether it’s your daughter’s first time in a group program or she’s ready for something new, Girls on Fire provides a unique opportunity for personal growth, community, and resilience-building.
Take the First Step—Empower Her Today
Confidence doesn’t happen by chance—it’s cultivated through action, repetition, and community. If you’ve noticed any of the signs discussed above, don’t wait until your daughter’s struggles become crises. Enroll her in a Girls on Fire confidence workshop in Alberta today and help her unlock her full potential.
Visit https://girlsonfire.ca to view upcoming events, register for a program, or contact our team for more information.
Give her the tools. Watch her light up the world.