As I watched my 8-year-old daughter, Mia, toss a football with her dad, a stranger nearby commented on her impressive skills. It was unclear whether his admiration was influenced by her being a girl, but the undertone was certainly there. In response, my husband casually mentioned, “Yeah, she has three brothers.” Instantly, I felt a pang of discomfort. The notion that Mia’s talent was somehow surprising because she was a girl—and that her brothers played a role in her abilities—struck a nerve that I had not fully acknowledged before becoming a parent.
Growing up, I experienced a different set of expectations than my brother did. My parents often cautioned my sisters and me about the world, while my brother seemed to evade those same warnings. As a young adult, I was acutely aware of the wage gap and the unwanted attention I received while simply walking down the street. I accepted these inequalities, knowing they were part of the fabric of our society, but they never spurred me into action or guided my career choices. I wasn’t a trailblazer like Gloria Steinem.
Then, I became a mother to Mia. While I know I’ll likely advise her to be cautious more often than I do with my son, Jake, I also want to empower her to excel in any field she chooses—whether that’s in the arts, science, politics, or athletics. I’ll encourage her to speak up for herself and demand equal treatment. When someone praises her with a hint of surprise, I’ll teach her that she can simply respond with “thank you” or “I’ve been working hard,” without feeling the need to justify her accomplishments.
I understand that playing catch with her brothers has helped Mia enhance her skills, but that doesn’t mean her talent is defined by them. Not all boys are sporty, and not all girls gravitate towards dolls. A child’s interests and abilities are unique to them, and they don’t belong to their siblings. I’m confident that Mia’s football skills stem from her own practice and dedication, not from the presence of her brothers.
I might steer clear of heavy labels, but if advocating for my sweet, strong, artistic, and witty daughter means embracing feminism, I’m all in. This perspective empowers both of us, and if you’re interested in exploring similar topics, check out this informative post on terms and conditions.
In addition, for those considering family planning, Make a Mom offers excellent resources. Another great reference for pregnancy and home insemination is this resource.
In summary, my journey into understanding gender equality and feminism was ignited by my daughter. I’m committed to teaching her the importance of her own voice and abilities, and I embrace the label of feminism as I support her growth and independence.