As I prepared for the arrival of my second son last year, I found myself hoping for a daughter—after all, I already had a boy and longed for a different dynamic (someone to root for me!). Now, however, that desire has faded; my love for my two sons is unwavering. Well, perhaps a little peace and quiet would be nice, but that’s a different story.
Interestingly, many fathers I know who have daughters often voice a similar sentiment: I’m fortunate not to have girls. They express concern about the challenges daughters face, especially as they grow older. I understand their apprehension; girls do navigate a tough world, particularly when it comes to interacting with boys. This “dealing” often involves the complexities of relationships and the tumult of adolescence. Yet, lurking behind the humor is a sobering reality where some men find it amusing to threaten potential suitors for their daughters. I find this mindset perplexing rather than laughable.
The fear that fathers harbor regarding their daughters’ encounters with boys reflects both a sense of guilt and a reluctance to act. Perhaps fathers of daughters wouldn’t feel the need to shield their children if fathers of sons were more proactive in promoting respect and kindness. If I do my part in raising my sons well, maybe it will ease the worries of other parents about their daughters.
That’s why I am committed to nurturing my boys as feminists. The resistance some men show towards feminism often stems from outdated beliefs or insecurities masked as bravado. But what is there to fear? A society built on equality benefits everyone.
Teaching Equality
How can we teach our children—regardless of gender—to uphold fairness in a world rife with discrepancies, where some individuals earn 30 cents less than others for the same work? In a society where harassment, abuse, and dismissal of victims are alarmingly prevalent, it’s crucial to instill values of respect and equality from a young age.
While the significant issues like discrimination, unequal pay, and harassment are vital, the foundation begins with the small, everyday interactions. I focus on teaching my sons to treat girls with kindness, listen to their opinions, and acknowledge their interests. Girls have every right to enjoy superheroes, excel in sports, and aspire to leadership roles, just like boys do. Similarly, boys can embrace colors like pink, share household chores, and enjoy activities that may not conform to traditional gender norms.
My influence extends beyond mere words; my sons witness the respect I have for their mother. They observe the love and partnership in our relationship, understanding that we thrive as a team. They will see that their mother holds equal, if not more significant, capabilities and authority in our household. Importantly, they will never witness me disrespecting her, undermining her opinions, or asserting dominance over her—she is their equal in every sense.
Mutual Success
Our shared goal is mutual success, and that requires trust, fairness, and respect. It’s not about elevating one gender over another or suggesting that women are taking away from men. It’s about creating a world where women are valued equally, compensated fairly, and treated with the respect they deserve.
Feminism is not exclusive to women; it’s fundamentally about equality. If all men advocated for this cause, the issues would diminish. By raising our sons with respect for women and all individuals, we can help create a safer world for our daughters to thrive. Although I may not have a daughter, I strive to ensure that other parents do not have to fear for their little girls’ safety and well-being due to my sons’ actions.
As a committed feminist, I am raising my boys to champion equality and respect.
Resources
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Summary
Raising boys to respect women and embrace equality is crucial for fostering a safe environment for everyone. By instilling values of kindness, fairness, and mutual respect, we can create a future where daughters can thrive without fear.
Keyphrase: Raising Feminists
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