Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: this is not a political piece. I’m not here to endorse any party or push for Hillary Clinton to become president. Nope, I’m just a dad sharing what it means to tell my daughters that they could one day hold the highest office in the land, and genuinely mean it.
I have three kids: Lily, who is 2, Emma, who is 6, and my son, Alex, who is 9. Even though Hillary Clinton hasn’t ascended to the presidency yet—and she might never do so—she has come closer to that coveted position than any other woman in history. Sure, she’s been in the White House before, but as the First Lady, she was still playing second fiddle. Important role? Absolutely. But she didn’t have the power of veto or the nuclear codes.
As a father, I want my daughters to understand that limitless possibilities exist for them. When I say, “You can be the next president if you wish,” I want to back it up with a real-life example of a woman who nearly made it. I want them to feel empowered to chase their dreams and reach for the stars, without a glass ceiling holding them back from achieving greatness, even in the Oval Office.
I want to believe my daughters can do anything, but that belief gets tricky in a world where women often earn less and see fewer leaders who look like them.
I want my girls to navigate life knowing they have an equal shot at success, whether that means launching into space, serving on the Supreme Court, or leading the nation. And I want my son to absorb this message too. At 9, I want him to recognize that he has just as much responsibility to support his partner’s career as she does to support his. Whether his future wife is a stay-at-home mom or the next president, her aspirations are just as valuable as his. I also want him to advocate for fair pay, opportunities, and respect for the women he encounters in his career.
Because, let’s face it, in 2016, we’re supposed to be living in an era of equality where women are just as educated and capable of leadership as men. I want that to be clear in our political landscape.
In essence, I want to look at Lily and Emma and say, “See? She did it. So can you.” As a white male, I can’t truly grasp what it’s like to look at a lineup of past leaders and not see a reflection of myself. I’ve never felt that something was out of reach. But since becoming a dad to girls, my perspective has shifted.
I see their intelligence and capabilities, and I know they can achieve anything. But I worry about whether they recognize that potential. I don’t want them to ever feel that their gender limits their ambitions, be it running for president or even applying for a big promotion. They deserve to feel empowered to take charge of their futures.
Now, I know neither of them quite grasp the political landscape yet, being so young. However, regardless of your feelings about Hillary Clinton as a candidate, one undeniable fact stands: she has achieved something no other woman in America has accomplished. And for that, I’m genuinely grateful. Because having a woman so close to the presidency allows me to tell my son, “Women can lead just as well as you can. Respect that.” And for my daughters, it gives me the chance to point and say, “She did it. So can you!”
For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post here. And if you’re interested in starting your own family journey, resources like Make a Mom can be invaluable. Also, for those expecting, March of Dimes offers fantastic guidance throughout the pregnancy process.
Summary
This article explores the significance of Hillary Clinton’s achievements for a father raising daughters, emphasizing the importance of female representation in leadership roles. It highlights the aspirations and confidence dads wish to instill in their children, advocating for an equal playing field for all genders.