Last Updated on October 6, 2026 by alli
I started Little Girl Shining when my daughter was 9.
She’s now 15 and in high school, so she’s definitely no longer a little girl!
Having a teenager in high school has only reinforced for me how important the early school years are — and how much our girls need confidence, resilience and self-belief to help them handle what’s ahead.
The truth is — it’s a jungle out there… high school, that is!
And that’s exactly why I believe the early years matter so much.
Why the Early School Years Matter (5-12yrs)
The more confident a girl feels in herself, the better equipped she’ll be to handle the ups and downs that come with growing up — friendship dramas, making mistakes, standing up for herself, trying new things and those days when she just doesn’t feel like she fits in.
If your daughter has ever looked at you and said, “I don’t want to go to school,” you’re not alone.
It’s something I’ve heard other mums talk about, and there’s a reason schools are constantly reminding parents about the importance of school attendance.
Getting our kids to school every day isn’t always as simple as it sounds.
It can be hard to know what to say when your daughter is visibly upset and doesn’t want to get ready for school in the morning.
You know there’s a reason for it.
Maybe she:
- Has had a friendship breakdown
- Has no one to play with at lunchtime
- Is feeling left out
- Is being bullied
- Is worried about getting something wrong in class
And as mums, this can leave us wondering about what to do.
- Do I reassure her?
- Do I tell her she has to go?
- Do I try to fix the problem?
- Or do I just give her a hug and hope tomorrow is better?
I’ve been there!
Free Printable Morning Script Guide for Mums
When your daughter is upset in the morning and telling you she doesn’t want to go to school, knowing what to say in that moment can be difficult — but it’s so important.
Sometimes, reassuring words from Mum are exactly what she needs to hear.
That’s why I created this free Morning Script Guide for Mums — to give you some simple words to use when your daughter says, “I don’t want to go to school.”
Because when the clock’s ticking and you’re trying to get everyone ready and out the door, the last thing you need is to be standing there wondering whether you’re saying the right thing.
The guide gives you a simple way to respond with words to reassure her and help her believe that everything will work out.
For more girl mum inspiration and free printables to help your daughter shine with confidence —
subscribe to Little Girl Shining.