How do I get my 9 year old to speak up for herself?

[WafflesOrIceCream]

My DD(9) is very bubbly.She is also shy at times.I have noticed relatives children saying things to her or being mean and my DD just doesn't say anything back! I have told her many times to learn to question things or speak up.

Any tips on how I can encourage her please.I have been soft touch all my life and people abused that.I do not wish that upon her.

Roll play with, she gets to be the cousin and you be her.

Is she in an environment where the ‘be kind’ mantra is emphasised? This was our daughter and she interpreted ‘be kind’ as ‘I’m not allowed to say anything other than nice things to people irrespective of how mean they are to me’. She was being bullied as a consequence.