Before my second son was born, I secretly wished for a daughter. With one son already, I longed for a little girl who might choose to bond with me in a way that felt different. However, I’ve come to cherish my two boys deeply and wouldn’t exchange them for the world. Well, maybe for a moment of tranquility, but that’s a distant dream.
Interestingly, many fathers I know who have daughters often express how fortunate I am not to have one. They share stories about the challenges that come with raising girls, especially as they grow older. I understand their concerns; girls face unique difficulties, particularly with boys. Often, “dealing” with boys involves navigating the complexities of relationships and the tumultuous phase of adolescence. Yet, beneath the humor lies a stark reality where some men find it amusing to threaten any young man who dares to date their daughters. This bizarre mentality is far from funny to me.
The anxiety fathers feel about their daughters’ interactions with boys reflects both an acknowledgment of societal problems and a hesitance to act. Perhaps if fathers of sons instilled respect and empathy in their boys, there would be less for fathers of daughters to worry about. If I did a better job raising my sons, maybe the concern for other parents would diminish.
That’s why I am committed to raising my sons as feminists. The reluctance some men show towards feminism often stems from outdated beliefs or insecurities masked as bravado. What’s the fear? A level playing field benefits everyone involved.
As we navigate a world where some individuals earn 30 cents less on the dollar for equal work, it’s crucial to instill values of fairness in our children. The severity of issues like discrimination, harassment, and the glass ceiling is undeniable, but it’s the everyday interactions that form the foundation of change. I’m teaching my boys to treat girls with kindness and respect, to appreciate their perspectives, and to recognize that girls can love superheroes, excel in sports, and aspire to be leaders just as they can. Conversely, I also teach them that it’s perfectly okay for boys to wear pink, help with household chores, and enjoy activities traditionally seen as feminine.
What I tell my sons is just one part of the equation; their observations matter just as much. They will witness the respect I have for their mother, how I value her opinions, and the mutual partnership we share. They will see our open communication and understand that their mother often takes the lead, demonstrating her capabilities in both domestic and professional realms. Most importantly, they will never witness me belittling her, demanding her compliance, or treating her as anything less than an equal.
We are a team, and for our team to thrive, we must trust and respect one another. It’s not about elevating one gender above another; it’s about creating a world where women are valued equally to men, compensated fairly, and granted the same opportunities.
Being a feminist isn’t about gender; it’s about advocating for equality. If all men embraced this cause, many issues would cease to exist. If we raised our boys with a greater respect for women, our daughters would face fewer fears. While I may not have a daughter, I strive to ensure that other parents don’t have to worry about their daughters being victimized by my sons.
Because I’m a feminist, and I will raise my boys to be feminists too. For more insights on parenting and family planning, check out our other post on home insemination kits or explore the different toys that support your baby’s sitting journey at this authority on baby development. Additionally, for more information about pregnancy and home insemination, WebMD offers excellent resources.
In summary, while I may not have a daughter to raise, I am dedicated to instilling values of respect and equality in my sons, ensuring they contribute to a society where all genders are viewed as equals.