“I want to be a scientist,” declares my 5-year-old daughter, Lily. The term ‘scientist’ is now a badge of honor; it signifies intelligence, curiosity, and a zest for discovery. This positive evolution of language is heartening. Lily is captivated by animated movies like Big Hero 6, particularly the scenes where the protagonist innovates and creates.
“I want to be someone who designs and builds things,” my 7-year-old, Emma, chimes in. “You mean an engineer,” I respond, feeling a swell of pride. “YES! AN ENGINEER!” she exclaims, repeating her newfound ambition for days. The dolls sit abandoned on the floor, and she refuses to pick out a new school dress, claiming it would slow her down. I give her a high-five, feeling like I’m nailing this parenting thing.
At a family gathering, I overhear Lily telling her cousin that colors aren’t gendered—they’re simply colors, and she can love green if she chooses. Proudly, I share my parenting success with friends: “Look at what I’ve taught her!”
But the universe has a way of humbling you quickly. My 7-year-old has become enchanted with Minecraft, constructing elaborate structures and exploring virtual worlds. She enthusiastically shares her adventures, even discussing the game’s darker themes. “Die, zombies!” she shouts at her tablet, which I had gotten her for her birthday, believing it would enhance her problem-solving skills.
As I watch her, I feel a tug-of-war within me. My instincts tell me to embrace her interests, yet I struggle with the traditional, gendered implications of her language and gameplay. “Run away like the little girl that you are!” she growls at the screen one day, and I’m taken aback. Where did she pick that up? “Mom, it’s just an expression,” she brushes off my concerns.
The cultural narrative can be overwhelming. Despite my efforts to instill values of empowerment, I find myself in a battle against a society that often diminishes the strength of girls. Parenting doubt creeps in, and I wonder if I’m making an impact.
Later, we watch a classic film from my childhood, The Sandlot, which is filled with outdated stereotypes and questionable language. A line I once found innocuous now hits hard as a mother: “You play ball like a girl!” The collective gasp from the characters echoes in my mind. I glance at my daughters, holding my breath.
Emma looks at Lily and smirks, “Um, whatever. We’re better than they are, right?” With a fierce nod, Lily agrees. I could almost cry with relief and pride. They seem ready to challenge the norms, embodying the very essence of girl power.
This journey of raising daughters is filled with ups and downs, moments of joy and moments of uncertainty. Yet, through it all, I remain committed to fostering their sense of self and encouraging them to embrace their strengths, whatever form they may take.
If you’re interested in exploring more about parenting in today’s world, check out this insightful post on Cervical Insemination. For those considering at-home options, Make A Mom offers reliable insemination kits, while Cleveland Clinic provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary: Raising a feminist daughter involves navigating societal pressures and fostering empowerment. From encouraging ambitions in STEM fields to challenging outdated stereotypes, the journey is a mix of pride and doubt. As parents, we must advocate for our children’s voices amid cultural narratives that may undermine their strength.
Leave a Reply