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I May Not Have a Daughter, But I’m Raising Future Feminists
You know what? I always imagined having a daughter. Before my second son arrived, I was secretly hoping for a girl (I mean, who doesn’t want at least one person to be on their side during family game night?). But honestly, I love my boys to pieces and wouldn’t swap them for anything. Well, maybe for a moment of quiet, but that’s a different story.
Interestingly, from what I gather from the dads I know with daughters, I might have dodged a bullet. They often say having girls is a wild ride, especially as they grow up — and especially for dads. I get the sentiment. Girls face a tough world, not least because of the boys they encounter. “Dealing” with boys can mean navigating the chaos of relationships and the awkwardness of growing up. But beneath those quips lies a serious reality where some men find humor in the idea of physically threatening any boy who dares to show interest in their daughters. I’ve always thought that was more strange than funny.
This fear that fathers carry about their daughters’ safety around boys speaks volumes. It’s an admission of guilt intertwined with a hesitance to take action. What if dads of sons stepped up their game? If we fostered respect in our boys, perhaps parents of girls could breathe a little easier. That’s why I’m committed to raising my sons as feminists.
The pushback some men have toward feminism often baffles me. Is it rooted in outdated beliefs or insecurities masked by bravado? What’s the big deal about equality? An equitable world benefits everyone, so why resist?
How do we cultivate a sense of fairness in kids growing up in a society where some individuals earn 30 cents less for the same job? A world where some face harassment and abuse and too often, their pleas for help are dismissed? The heavy issues matter — discrimination, harassment, equal pay — but the real work begins with the everyday interactions. I’m teaching my boys to be kind to the girls at school, in the park, and everywhere in between. They need to understand that girls have as much right to love superheroes, excel in sports, and aspire to be president as they do. And let’s not forget, boys can wear pink, do the dishes, sing show tunes, and enjoy My Little Pony without any shame!
But it’s not solely about what I preach; it’s also about what they observe. My sons will see how much I respect their mother, as they’ll witness our partnership in action. They’ll know that communication and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our relationship. They’ll see that sometimes, Mom’s the boss — and rightfully so. They’ll observe that she’s just as capable as I am in every aspect of life. Most importantly, they’ll never witness me disrespecting her, belittling her, or treating her in any way less than an equal.
We’re all on the same team here. For our team to thrive, we must treat each other with fairness and respect. It’s not about one gender being superior to another; it’s about ensuring women are valued, compensated equally, and given the same opportunities as men.
You don’t need to be female to champion feminism. This is about equality, plain and simple. If all men supported this cause, there wouldn’t be an issue at all.
If we nurture our boys to respect everyone, our daughters will have a much safer world to grow up in. While I may not have a daughter of my own, I’m determined to contribute to a future where other parents don’t have to worry about their little girls being mistreated by my sons.
Because I’m a feminist, and I’m raising my boys to be the same.
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In summary, while I may not have a daughter, I’m committed to raising my sons with the values of feminism, aiming for a world where respect and equality reign supreme.