Raising Super Girls

By
Dorie
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1

One of the great surprises in life is learning the gender of your baby. Will it be a girl or a boy? Will we need boy or girl things? We put our curiosity to the test x2 and waited until the big day to find out the gender. Each time we were thrilled that… it was a girl!

But having girls didn’t mean I rushed to the store to buy pink dresses and hair bows. When my girls were born I felt an incredible sense that I needed to raise them to be strong, and to defy gender stereotypes.  I wanted desperately for them to know that they could do, and be, whoever they wanted. They could do “boy things” AND “girl things.” They could do anything!

They are Super Girls!

So at a time when the dialogue is centered around empowering women, here are a few ways I’m raising Super Girls to be the confident leaders of the future.

  • Instead of “Be Careful” say ”Be brave!”  Caroline Paul’s TED talk about brave girls inspired this mindshift.  When my girls climb high or do something daring I support their efforts. When I get worried I ask, “Do you feel safe?” and “How can I help.” When they are unsure I say “Keep trying!”

  • The first dress up clothes I bought for my children were a dinosaur, doctor, pilot and firefighter.  
  • In my daughter’s lunch box I leave sticky note pictures that show her in empowering roles.

  • Their bookshelf is filled with books about confident, intelligent, and innovative female leaders.

  • And of course…..having the right wardrobe never hurts.

So high-five to all the Super Parents, raising strong Super Girls.

What are you doing to raise Super Girls?

 

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Dorie
Dorie
http://www.playfulinvitations.com
Dorie is the mom of two Super Girls. After many years with her nose in a book, and coffee in hand, she recently graduated from Saint Louis University as a Doctor of Education. She knows what it is like to pursue a dream while also being a mom. Dorie has experience working with children and families in hospitals, children’s museums, and schools. She lives with her musical husband Bjorn and two daughters Inga (5) and Freya (3) in the Shaw neighborhood. They can be found enjoying the many local playgrounds and free attractions St. Louis city has to offer. Check out Dorie’s early childhood math blog for parents and teachers at www.playfulinvitations.com.

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1 COMMENT

  1. My dialogue could use a lot of work… I need to adopt the, “do you feel comfortable?” when any of my kids push limits. I’m way too quick to caution against risk and I know they would benefit so much more if I could change that.

    As far as raising a super girl, I feel like my daughter, surrounded by brothers, has always had the confidence and self awareness to conquer all. She is the toughest of my four, but it’s often in spite of me. Love this reminder to be more aware that the message I’m sending needs to be less about my fears and insecurities and be more about how it’s being heard.

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