I want to start by acknowledging the incredible dad and partner you are. Your commitment to sharing parenting responsibilities and household tasks has not gone unnoticed—you’ve been doing the laundry for years now! Your love and respect for me shine through in everything you do, and it’s clear how much you cherish your time with our boys, aiming to be the role model they need.
However, there’s something I’ve been meaning to address, and I can no longer remain silent about it.
Please, stop using the term “girl” as an insult.
I understand that this might stem from your coaching mentality, which emphasizes toughness, resilience, and a “walk it off” approach. You want our boys to be strong and unyielding. But when they show sensitivity or emotion, you often tell them to “stop acting like a girl.”
This can happen during moments of vulnerability—when they cry over minor issues, when they pout, or when they experience a little physical discomfort. By suggesting they “quit being a girl,” you unintentionally imply that girls are weak, overly emotional, or unable to handle life’s challenges.
I know you don’t mean it, but it’s essential to recognize that strength is not defined by gender. I, as your wife, have borne four children and faced significant challenges without being weak. My feelings are valid, and I have demonstrated resilience through pain and hardship. I’ve had multiple surgeries and still managed to care for our family immediately afterward.
I want our boys to understand that experiencing emotions, including sadness and frustration, is part of being human—not a sign of weakness. When they face future difficulties, I hope they’ll come to us for support, rather than feeling belittled for expressing their feelings. It’s vital they learn that showing emotion can be a sign of strength.
Encouraging them to embrace their sensitivity will help them grow into well-rounded individuals and compassionate leaders. Remember, demonstrating care and emotion is a human trait, not a “girl” trait.
Signed, Your loving and strong wife, Sarah
Additional Resources
For more information on home insemination and related topics, you might find this article helpful: Intracervical Insemination. Additionally, Cryobaby is an authority on self-insemination kits. For those navigating pregnancy, the Women’s Health website offers excellent resources.
In Summary
It’s crucial that we foster an environment where our boys can express their emotions without fear of judgment. By reframing our language and encouraging vulnerability, we can raise emotionally intelligent and strong individuals.