While at the park with my son recently, I overheard a woman advising her young son, “Remember, you’re a boy. You have to treat girls like flowers!” The intent behind her words was likely rooted in kindness, aiming to teach her son to be gentle. However, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of frustration. I didn’t speak up at the moment, unsure of how to articulate my thoughts, but I’ve since reflected on what I would say.
My message to that mother would be clear: girls and women are not delicate flowers; they are powerful trees. Flowers signify fragility and delicateness, while trees are strong and enduring. They take root, provide shelter, produce oxygen, and stand tall against adversity. Trees symbolize resilience and capability, qualities that every girl should embody.
It’s imperative that we stop nurturing the notion of girls as fragile beings. Instead, we should encourage them to see themselves as equals—capable, strong, and deserving of respect. As a mother of a son, I feel a deep responsibility to instill these values in him. I never want him to idolize women in a way that diminishes their strength; I want him to appreciate them as equals.
My son often gravitates toward playing with girls, and I remind him of the same principles I emphasize when he’s with boys: respect personal space, keep your hands to yourself, and always say please and thank you. The girls he plays with are fierce and unapologetic. They don’t shy away from asserting themselves, and it’s inspiring to watch. For instance, if one of his friends stands up to him, I find myself wanting to celebrate her assertiveness, reinforcing to my son that she has just as much right to her space and voice as he does.
Take my friend Emily’s daughter, for example. At just two years old, she is a force to be reckoned with. Whether she’s in the middle of a playdate or trying to join in on the action, she is assertive and confident. If she’s not interested in a hug from the boys, she firmly pushes them away, clearly stating her boundaries. She embodies the strength and resilience I wish for all girls to recognize in themselves.
This kind of confidence is crucial. Girls should be nurtured as saplings, growing strong roots that ground them in their self-worth. As they develop into mighty trees, they can spread their strength and resilience into the world, becoming safe havens for others and weathering life’s storms. This nurturing process ensures that their influence will endure.
In short, girls are not flowers; they are formidable trees, ready to grow and thrive.
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Summary
This article emphasizes the strength and resilience of girls and women, comparing them to trees rather than delicate flowers. It advocates for teaching young boys to treat girls as equals, fostering a culture of respect and empowerment. The significance of instilling confidence in girls is highlighted, showcasing their capabilities and importance in society.