I always assumed I would have daughters. While I didn’t envision a life filled with pink frills, I anticipated raising strong, fearless girls who would challenge the status quo and carry on the legacy of their fiercely feminist mother. But life had other plans, and I found myself raising boys. And yes, I am that mom of boys.
You know the type, right? (Don’t pretend; I can sense your eye rolls from here.) I’m the mom who insists that when discussing women over the age of 18, the correct term is “woman.” I seize every opportunity to highlight the disparities in language when we talk about boys versus girls. Admittedly, I might take it too far at times, and it often boomerangs back to me, but that’s the choice I make.
I constantly remind them about the importance of listening when someone says, “I don’t like that,” or “Please stop touching me.” Even though my youngest is just 8 and completely uninterested in anything beyond his toys, I persist: “Look at me when I’m speaking. This is vital. When someone sets a boundary, you must respect it immediately.”
I am the mother who routinely celebrates female achievements. I teach my sons to hold doors open for everyone—not as an act of chivalry, but as a basic courtesy. It’s not about being a gentleman; it’s about being decent human beings. I emphasize that while boys and girls may have differences, one gender is not superior to the other.
I’m the mom who challenges stereotypes at every turn, who refuses to let my kids play video games that objectify women. I’ve made sure they understand what a period is, the purpose of tampons, where babies come from, and the function of breasts. I’ve introduced them to the term “vagina” and, when the time is right, I will explain that women enjoy sex just as much as men.
I am the overzealous parent who discussed respectful behavior with my son before his first school dance, instructing him on how to handle a situation if a girl asked him to dance when he wasn’t interested. I emphasized that it’s unacceptable to mock or disrespect someone, regardless of personal feelings.
I have made it clear that if I ever find out they are belittling a girl’s appearance, I will intervene. If they use derogatory language, I will be there to set them straight. I often reiterate that phrases like “cry like a girl” are not only insulting but fundamentally false.
I do not tolerate aggression simply because my children are boys. I engage in ongoing discussions about women’s underrepresentation in society and how history often tells a biased narrative. I challenge them with questions about women’s contributions to history and voting rights, truly embracing my role as that mom who cares deeply.
I am the one who has countless conversations about sex and consent, ensuring they understand that if there’s ever any uncertainty, “no” is the answer. I am the mom who passionately advocates for equality, stressing the importance of valuing individuals for who they are, rather than their gender.
My focus is not on raising gentlemen; I want my sons to see your daughters as equals and partners. I am committed to raising men who prioritize equality over conventions like holding doors open. I am willing to endure the eye rolls and sighs if it leads to a more equitable world.
I embrace my role as the persistent mom who drives home the point that girls can do anything boys can do, and vice versa—except for childbirth, of course.
In essence, I am that mom. I am raising sons who view your daughters as equals, partners, and fellow human beings. My aim is to nurture men who care more about creating a fairer world than adhering to outdated norms.
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Summary
This article discusses the author’s commitment to raising her sons with a strong foundation in feminism. She outlines her approach to teaching them about respect, equality, and the achievements of women, emphasizing the importance of viewing everyone as equals regardless of gender. Her goal is to nurture boys who will become men who value and respect women as partners.
Keyphrase
Raising Feminist Sons
Tags
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