International Women's Day and self-esteem for young girls
Categories: Teens & tweens, Mommy wars, Education, That's entertainment
Today is International Women's Day, a day to recognize women's achievements around the world, to look back on past struggles and look ahead to new areas of achievement for women. I don't think a lot about women's issues as a parent, because I'm raising a son. However, I do make sure to teach Kyle respect for women, equality and cross my fingers that he treats the females in his life fairly and kindly.Sometimes I am glad I have a son instead of a daughter, because as much as we have progressed, we still have a long way to go. The media continues to portray women in negative ways, and eating disorders among young girls continues to be a serious problem.
I was really happy to see the Dove Campaign for Real Beauty begin and continue, complete with videos that address these issues. Their goal is to reinforce the belief that women should be appreciated just as they are, even by stating, "Every girl deserves to feel beautiful just the way she is."
"Advertisers in general bear a large part of the responsibility for the deep feelings of inadequacy that drive women to psychiatrists, pills, or the bottle. " ~Marya Mannes, But Will It Sell?, 1964
I remember peer pressure growing up because I was taller than the boys until I reached the 7th or 8th grade. I was also kind of a nerd and more interested in academics and reading than cheerleading and parties. I am happy to see girls being encouraged to do so much more than when I was growing up and an emphasis being placed on appreciating everyone's diversity, rather than making girls feel out of place for being "different."
As parents of young girls, how do you reinforce their self-esteem and confidence to help them overcome some of the biases that still exist for women? Do you feel like things have progressed since you've grown up?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
racychk1 3-08-2008 @ 11:02PM
My daughter is only 6 months old, but I'm planning on exposing her to a variety of activities and programs to help her develope and reinforce her selfesteem, i.e. girl scouts, sports, cheer leading... Also, I'm hoping her dad will be involved in her life because I believe dads can make or break the girl. I grew up without a dad, but I guess my mom's way of raising me helped me a lot -- I was a bit shielded but I guess I turned out pretty well.
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sandi stonebraker 4-26-2008 @ 7:27AM
Oh to be a PRINCESS! – It’s a dream of most little girls. The challenge of inspiring these little would be princesses to give the same attention to inner qualities as they do hair, makeup and clothes is one that many parents know all too well. The challenge becomes to define the princess world in terms that a young girl can not only dream but LIVE!
This challenge was the inspiration for Sandi Stonebraker when she wrote “On Being A REAL Princess, Secrets of the Happy Heart Princess”. This book is about how to be a princess from the Inside-Out! It’s about how it feels to be a princess.
Featured in the book are sixteen princesses from around the globe who dance into your world with affirmations and messages on what it means to be a REAL Princess. They understand that a REAL Princess is strong, smart and kind. She knows how to think for herself and is proud of who she is and what she believes in. She dreams big and knows that she can make her dreams come true. She understands that everyone is different but each person is special.
The book includes interactive journaling activities dealing with values, self esteem and decision making. It is a useful tool for parents, teachers, religious leaders and other caregivers to open a dialogue with little girls on all those important issues they face as they grow up in an increasingly complex society.
The author feels that it is never too early to begin the discussion on these simple values and feelings and although the book is targeted to ages 4 to 10, all ages seem to feel it’s power in reminding them of what it is to be a REAL PRINCESS!
If you are a parent, grandparent, religious leader, teacher or just someone who has a special little girl in your life, this book is a must!
TO ORDER YOUR COPY go to www.happyheartprincess.com or call 859-655-9571
Quantity discounts are available.
Happy Heart Princess, A Creation of FairyTale Kids
www.happyheartprincess.com
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