Updated: Feb. 22, 2016
Are we inadvertently teaching girls to be fearful rather than courageous? While a balanced relationship with fear is important, it’s vital to consider whether the lessons we impart encourage girls to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them. Research indicates that many girls receive messages to play it safe, which could set them up for future limitations.
A study published in The Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology highlighted that parents are more likely to caution their daughters against attempting risky activities, such as climbing down a fire pole, while offering their sons more encouragement to take the leap. This tendency can instill a sense of self-doubt in young girls, reinforcing a belief that they should be afraid of certain experiences that boys are encouraged to pursue. Caroline Lamb, a former firefighter, explores this theme in her article for The New York Times, “Why Do We Teach Girls That It’s Cute to Be Scared?” Like her, I’ve faced the question, “Aren’t you scared?” whenever I shared my career in journalism, particularly covering breaking news. I often found myself explaining how first responders are much closer to danger than reporters, yet I frequently heard, “Oh, I could never do something like that.” What unspoken barriers are we building for girls and women?
Reflecting on my own experiences as a Girl Scout, I found that I enjoyed my time at my brother’s Boy Scouts meetings more. While he learned to handle tools and navigate the outdoors, my friends and I earned badges in sewing and cooking. These skills are undoubtedly valuable, but the lack of exposure to risk-taking activities may lead girls to view such challenges with trepidation, which can persist into adulthood. This mindset may hinder their willingness to pursue opportunities that come with uncertainty.
In reality, the road to success often involves taking risks. Many accomplished women, like Sarah Morgan, a trailblazer in her field, emphasize the importance of embracing risk for personal growth. “You learn the most when you step out of your comfort zone,” she shared with the BBC. “Taking on challenges others deem impossible has been a defining part of my journey.”
Instead of telling girls to “be careful,” we should encourage them to face their fears and thrive despite them. By fostering a culture that promotes courageous choices from a young age, we can empower girls to seize opportunities as they grow.
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In summary, it’s crucial to shift the narrative surrounding girls and risk-taking. By equipping them with the tools to face challenges head-on, we can help foster a generation of women who are confident in their ability to tackle whatever comes their way.