This isn’t a political commentary, so let’s clear that up right from the start. This piece isn’t about endorsing a political party or advocating for Hillary Clinton as our next commander-in-chief. Instead, it’s about what it means for me as a father to be able to tell my daughters that they have the potential to be president one day—and for that statement to hold real significance.
I have three kids: Lily, who is 2, Claire, who is 6, and my son, Max, who is 9. While Hillary Clinton hasn’t yet secured the presidency, she has come closer than any woman to stepping into that role. She has occupied the White House before, sure, but not as the president; she was the first lady and a mother, which is a vital position but still doesn’t carry the same authority as the president.
As a father, it’s important for me that my daughters understand that their dreams are within reach. When I say, “You could be the next president if you wanted,” I want them to see that a woman has already stood on the brink of that possibility. I want them to feel empowered to dream big and to know that they can aspire to hold any position, including the highest office in the land.
It’s challenging to instill that belief when the world still grapples with gender wage gaps and male-dominated leadership. I want my daughters to grow up in an environment where they feel confident that they can achieve anything—a woman can journey to space, serve on the Supreme Court, or become the President of the United States.
And it’s crucial for my son, too. At 9, I want him to recognize that he has just as much responsibility to uplift his future wife’s career ambitions as she does to support his. Whether his partner aspires to be a stay-at-home mom or the next president, he needs to understand that her dreams are just as valid as his. In his future workplace, I want him to advocate for equal pay and respect for his female colleagues.
The reality is that in 2023, we live in a time when women are just as educated and capable of leadership as men. I hope to see this reflected in our political landscape. Ultimately, I want to look at Lily and Claire and say, “See? She did it. You can, too.”
I can’t fully comprehend what it’s like to look at a lineup of leaders and not see a face that resembles my own. Until I had daughters, I hadn’t truly considered how daunting that could feel. Now, when I look at my girls, I see their intelligence and potential, and I want them to realize that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to. I don’t want them to unconsciously view the world as a place where their gender limits their ambitions. They should feel they have every right to take the wheel because they absolutely do.
They may not yet grasp the nuances of politics, being so young, but regardless of your opinion on Hillary Clinton as a candidate, one undeniable fact stands out: she has achieved something monumental in American history. Her proximity to the presidency allows me to tell Max, “Women are just as capable of leadership as you. Always respect that.” And for my daughters, it provides a tangible example that they, too, can aspire to greatness.
For more insights on related topics, check out one of our other blog posts that dives deeper into these issues. And if you’re considering at-home insemination options, reputable retailers like Cryobaby offer excellent kits to assist you. Additionally, if you want to explore more about pregnancy and home insemination, the NHS provides a great resource.
In summary, it’s about fostering an environment where my daughters can see their potential reflected in the world around them while reminding my son of the importance of equality and support in relationships.
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