By Bright Horizons, Apr 2021
Women make up over half the world’s population, but they still hold far fewer than half of the leadership positions in the US government and Fortune 500 companies.
• How Are You Talking to Your Daughter?
• How is the World Talking to Your Daughter?
• What Are You Modeling for Your Daughter?
So how do we raise girls to be strong, confident future leaders? Check out ways to be more mindful of your daughter as she grows from a tiny baby to our nation’s next top leader!
How Are You Talking to Your Daughter?
It is so easy to fall into a pattern of praising a girl’s looks (“You are so pretty!”), labeling her behavior as “good” or congratulating her when she does something perfectly. Instead, embrace the concept of a growth mindset, and celebrate your daughter’s mistakes and failures. Confidence in your daughter will grow if she’s able to take risks, knowing that the outcome may not be perfect, and she will be loved and celebrated for her effort, regardless of the ultimate achievement.
Likewise, parents may fall into the trap of calling an opinionated girl “bossy” with a tone of disdain. However, those strong opinions are the budding leadership skills of a possible future CEO! Encourage your daughter to speak up for herself and others, starting in your own home. When she expresses a strong opinion about something or disagrees with you, you can build up her confidence by really listening to her opinion without immediately dismissing it. By showing that her thoughts and ideas have value, you are setting her up to have the courage and confidence to express her ideas in future classrooms and boardrooms.
Encourage your girl to engage in physical play with safe risk-taking. Climbing trees, getting muddy, and playing sports at a young age builds confidence in the power and strength of her body.
How is the World Talking to Your Daughter?
Even for young girls, commercials and media influences seep into everyday life. Your daughter will absorb messages about what girls “should” look like or how they “should” behave. As a parent, your best defense against these messages is to dissect them with your child proactively. When a commercial comes on during a TV show or online video, pause and ask your daughter, “What is this ad selling? How does this ad compare to our real life?”
Become aware of gender stereotypes presented in the media your family consumes. Fill your home with books, toys, and décor that do not conform to specific gender roles (e.g., buy books about female construction workers and encourage girls to engage in math and science activities). Try to eliminate gender-based references to your child, such as “princess” or “tomboy,” or phrases such as “Young ladies don’t behave that way.”
What Are You Modeling for Your Daughter?
If you are a woman raising a girl, you are clearly a role model for the woman your daughter will become. You have the opportunity to model resilience, strength, and confidence during challenging moments.
• Let her observe you respectfully asserting yourself with other women and men.
• Instead of mentioning the size or weight of your body in front of your daughter, talk about it in terms of strength, comfort, health, and gratitude for how it carries you through your day.
• When you talk about how you spend your days at work, ask your daughter: What difference do you want to make in the world someday? What problem do you want to solve?
• If you are a man raising a daughter, be cognizant of any gender stereotypes in your family home life.
• Your daughter should see you doing household chores, and you can encourage rough-and-tumble play with your daughter.
• When you speak about women in your life, do so with respect and not in a diminutive way.
• Allow your daughter to say “no” to you and accept that no for an answer in safe situations so she can learn how powerful that word can be.
Here’s to raising self-assured, resilient girls who will be our future problem-solvers and leaders!
Bright Horizons is here to help families raise strong, confident girls. They’re excited to be opening a new childcare center in downtown Bethesda this fall. Bright Horizons at 2 Bethesda Metro will offer infant — pre-kindergarten programs. The center is currently accepting registration forms. Click here to learn more!Please note, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
