Raising Daughters: A Dad’s Perspective
I’ve often struggled whether my wife and I are raising our girls properly. Are we raising them to be strong and independent women or are we raising them to conform to any label, category, or type that society and culture gives and requires them to be.
I had hope that Senator Clinton would have the opportunity to serve as the President of the United States so that I can show my two daughters that it’s possible to be the most powerful person on the planet and be a woman. But, it appears that America will deprive Senator Clinton of this privilege.
So how can I show my daughters that in America, there’s no glass ceiling for women? How can I show them that they can raise a family and simultaneously be successful in their careers? How can I show them that they won’t have to make a choice between their children and their passion?
I wish I have the answers.
I suppose they can look to their mother as an example. Their momma is a strong and successful career woman and she’s also a very caring mother and wife. But, she also had to endure plenty of restrictions that our culture and society has imposed on her.
It’s actually not difficult to raise confident, intelligent, and independent young ladies. My wife and I make sure that all the children are treated equally. The language we use is gender neutral and misogynistic stereotypes and language are never tolerated at home. As with any parent, my concern is based on the fact that my daughters have to wage their battles outside our home.
Perhaps one of the reasons why I want my daughters to get involved in many sporting activities is because of my desire to have them viewed as people who can physically compete with anyone. But sometimes I question myself whether I’m pushing them too much or I’m not pushing enough.
I wouldn’t mind my daughters facing the challenges of our society as much if the playing field is even. If the rules for men and women are the same and fair then I wouldn’t lose sleep over this topic because I’m pretty sure that both of my daughters can pretty much kick some major butt. If both exhibit the same tenacity, drive, charm, and wit as their mother’s, then the other side can pack their things because the game is definitely over.
Maybe someday fathers and mothers don’t have to think about preparing their daughters and sons differently for the outside world. Maybe someday we can tell our sons and daughters that it doesn’t really matter if you are a man or a woman because in our society, everyone is treated equally.
Someday will probably never come for my wife and me. But I sure hope that Someday will come for my children so that they can raise my grandchildren in an egalitarian society.
