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Standing at the gym watching my 2 year old niece doing air squats made me think about what goes into becoming a strong girl.

So...how do make strong girls?

Start early. Never to early to get them into gymnastics, CrossFit, Olympic Weightlifting, Track or what not. 

Beginning in her infancy, praise her for what she can do more than for the way she looks. "You're so pretty!" will make her the appearance as her greatest attribute, but "You worked so hard on that sand castle!" lets her know she's valued for her skills.

Step 2- Think through the pink. Make sure her clothes and her room are made of many colors, and not just light pink, dark pink and magenta. It may seem like a small factor, but it helps take her beyond the only "girls wear/do this and boys wear/do that."

Step 3- Strong girls need less "Cinderella" and more stories in which the girl is the hero. They need strong female role models in their lives. Kelly Starrett prides himself on his daughters having strong women role models in their lives. 

Step 4- Make sure her toy box includes trucks, play tools, barbells and kettlebells, as well as dolls. Include some action hero costumes in her dress-up clothes collection.

Step 5- Deconstruct the Barbie. It's difficult for parents to escape Barbie dolls altogether, but make sure your daughter knows that Barbie is unrealistically proportioned and has an unhealthy focus on her looks. You may feel silly explaining that to a 3-year-old, but it's never too early to plant the seed. Don't be critical about her appearance, get her into sports and teach her about eating right. 

Step 6- Surround her with strong and caring people of both sexes. Dad needs to be encouraged to share a variety of activities such as building a birdhouse, changing a tire or baking bread. When she's old enough, take her to work with you.

Step 7- Take her out to the ball game, car show or the CrossFit Games, as well as the ballet. Introduce her to a variety of interests.

Step 8- Don't be sabotaged by Grandma and Grandpa. When well-meaning relatives fuss over her curly hair and big eyes, remind them-in front of her-that she just learned to tie her shoes and do a cartwheel.

Step 9- Encourage her academically. Tell her, "You can do it," instead of, "Well most girls aren't good at math."