Updated: July 27, 2016
Originally Published: Oct. 24, 2015
“I want to be a scientist,” my 5-year-old daughter, Lily, declares proudly. The term scientist has evolved in its connotation; it now embodies intelligence, creativity, and a modern approach to the world. It’s fascinating how language transforms over time. As she watches her favorite movie, Big Hero 6, on loop, I can see her excitement when Hiro designs his superhero outfits, a scene that captivates her and her older sister, Mia, who is 7.
“I want to create things,” Mia chimes in. “You want to be an engineer,” I respond, feeling a swell of pride as she beams. “YES, AN ENGINEER!” she exclaims, repeating it for days on end. The untouched dolls scattered on the floor become irrelevant to her ambitions. When she decides against a back-to-school dress, saying it would slow her down, I can’t help but celebrate her choices.
I often think I’m doing everything right. I feel like the ideal mother. One day at my sister’s house, I overhear Lily telling her cousin, “There are no boy colors or girl colors; they’re just colors!” I share this triumph with my friends, proud of the values I’m instilling.
Yet, the Parenting Gods have a way of keeping us humble. It’s easy to feel pride, but I quickly learn that it’s fleeting, like dipping a toe into icy waters. My 7-year-old becomes enamored with Minecraft, constructing elaborate worlds filled with roller coasters and mysterious caves. She talks about her virtual adventures, including battling zombies. My husband worries about the violent content, while I argue that it’s just part of the game. We reach a standstill.
In her excitement, Mia shouts at her tablet, “Die, zombies!” I suppress my cringe, grappling with the societal expectations that suggest these behaviors are too “boyish” for my sweet girl. My ingrained biases clash with my desire to support her empowerment. The world’s noise is overwhelming.
“Run away like the little girl that you are!” she yells at the screen one day. My heart sinks. “Where did you pick that up?” I ask, surprised. “Camp,” she shrugs, where societal norms overshadow the girl-power messages I try to convey.
“Do girls really run away when scared?” I probe. “Mom, it’s just a saying,” she replies, rolling her eyes. My confidence wanes. I wonder how to combat a culture that perpetuates these stereotypes.
Later, we watch The Sandlot, a childhood favorite of mine, yet filled with outdated notions and crude language that seem unsuitable for my daughters. The infamous line, “You throw like a girl!” echoes, and I brace myself for their reactions.
Mia glances at Lily and smirks, “Whatever. We’re better than those guys, right?” Lily nods in agreement, their spirits unyielding. It’s a moment of unexpected empowerment.
As parents, we face the challenge of raising strong daughters in a world that often tells them otherwise. For more insights on parenting and empowerment, check out this article on home insemination. It’s essential to be aware of various aspects of motherhood, including the importance of fertility and family-building resources, like this one. For comprehensive information on fertility, visit the CDC.
Summary:
Raising a feminist daughter involves navigating societal norms and empowering her to break free from stereotypes. As a mother, it’s crucial to support her ambitions, whether she wants to be a scientist or an engineer, while also addressing the challenges posed by cultural influences.