The truth is that even in our modern day and age we still, without even realising it, limit a girl’s choices and strengthen stereotypes that make them feel weaker or less smart.
I love the Always #LikeAGirl campaign. It made me think about what I say to or about girls and women. If we really want to break these stereotypes and give girls the confidence to develop their full potential, we need to do the following things:
- We should change our language and not make “innocent” remarks like “you hit/kick/swim/play soccer like a girl”.
- We should be good role models for our kids and show them how to handle stereotypes like this. This might mean that a mom takes on a challenge to prove a stereotype wrong or a dad demonstrating respect for women and setting the record straight if his son or any other man promotes a stereotype.
- We should teach girls that even though there are physical differences between boys and girls, it doesn’t determine how well you do things. We have to believe in them and make them believe in themselves.
- We should teach our sons to respect girls and see them as equals in any activity they do.
- We should take a step back from the focus on gender and nurture our children’s personalities, natural talents and interests.
I want to leave you with this thought: boys can also do everything girls can… Don’t limit their potential based on their gender.
You might want to read about why your children should be respected.
