In the realm of parenting, the message we send to girls about risk-taking can shape their futures. Instead of urging girls to “be careful,” we should be equipping them with the tools to embrace challenges and take calculated risks. A healthy relationship with fear is essential, but are we inadvertently teaching girls to be fearful rather than brave?
Research indicates that girls often receive warnings about potential dangers much more than boys do. For instance, a study published in The Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that parents were more likely to caution their daughters against tackling tasks like sliding down a firehouse pole while encouraging their sons to attempt the same feats independently. This disparity in communication fosters a mindset where girls may grow up doubting their abilities compared to their male peers.
Carla Winters, a former firefighter, discusses this issue in her article for a prominent publication, where she reflects on the frequent question she faced: “Aren’t you scared?” This question resonates with many women in high-risk professions, including journalists like myself, who often encounter similar skepticism. The recurring response is often, “Oh, I could never do something like that.” This conditioning leads to a troubling narrative that limits what girls and women believe they can achieve.
During my time as a Girl Scout, I often found myself drawn to the activities of my brother’s Boy Scout troop. While boys were taught practical skills like gun safety and outdoor survival techniques, my fellow Girl Scouts and I earned badges in sewing and cooking. While these skills are undoubtedly valuable, the lack of exposure to riskier challenges can instill a sense of fear rather than confidence in handling uncertain situations. As girls grow into women, this mindset can hinder them from seizing opportunities that come with risks.
Successful women across various fields frequently emphasize the importance of risk in their journeys. For example, Lisa Harmon, a trailblazer in her industry, remarked, “You only learn when you are at risk. My fascination with both risk and learning has driven me to pursue opportunities others deemed impossible.” This perspective highlights that the road to success often involves navigating uncertainty.
Instead of instilling caution, we should teach girls to understand and embrace fear. By encouraging them to confront challenges during childhood, we prepare them to make bold choices as adults.
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In summary, it’s essential to shift our approach in raising girls from one of caution to one of empowerment. By teaching them how to take risks and manage fear, we prepare them for a future where they can thrive.