I've often worried about this if we ever have a daughter. I want to raise my son without the stereotypes and if we do have a daughter in the future, I'd like to do the same for her as well.
I think I'll just stick to having my children watching Mulan: "you can be girly if you want. You can be a tomboy if you want. You can be both or even neither,because regardless who you are and how you dress you have the potential to change the world".
This is a nice book to help combat the princess horde, especially if she likes the outdoors. http://www.amazon.com/Girls-Who-Looked-Under-Rocks/dp/1584690119
It'll be a girl? Congrats! I share your exact pain. Found out last month that I'll have a daughter in a few months and my wife has already started buying ribbons, dresses and all things "girly". Teaching her the ways of geekdom and gender equality will be challenging. Good luck baboon. ;-)
What about Elsa, Mulan, Tiana, Esmeralda, etc? (Esmeralda was one of my idols growing up, strong, beautiful, and could kick the other heros ass in a fight lol)
As a female engineer, I'll say don't worry about the princesses. I loved them when I was little (still do now, really), but it didn't stop me from loving math and science, too.
This is what my brother and sister-in-law are going through with my niece. They have asked friends and family to keep the "girly" gifts to a minimum for as long as possible. When the kid starts asking, that's different. But for now, she's getting exposed to as much as possible!
Should also add Gráinne Ní Mháille (aka Grace O'Malley) Celtic Pirate Queen. Best of both worlds. :-) If you are going to be a princess at least kick butt at it.
I grew up with the princesses (the Grimm ones and the Disneyfied ones) and I turned out to be a scientist. Don't stress too much :) It's ok for girls to like makeup and princesses, doesn't mean they're not smart or independent.
Want a good example of a princess? Try Twilight Sparkle from "MLP: Friendship is Magic." She's a princess (now) but she's smart, curious, an enthusiastic student, loves adventure, has great friends, is struggling to learn how to be a princess and a leader, and understands that such a job comes with tons of responsibilities that don't just include fancy dresses and elaborate balls.
Seriously, you want a show that breaks gender stereotypes? Ironically it's the latest generation of My Little Pony. ^_^
This is such a refreshing outlook as opposed to dad's "protecting" their girls from boys, by empowering her with knowledge and encouraging her to be great. Your daughter is lucky to have you (:
Cannot stop laughing, I was not expecting princess zombies!! #feelyourpain my daughter wears monster pjs and we wrestle, get dirty, and enjoy some pants-free weekends.
Reader Comments (21)
YES.
I have twin 4-year-old daughters, and thus far we've managed, but holy crap has it taken a lot of effort. It's totally worth it, but man. Oof.
Good luck, sir.
I've often worried about this if we ever have a daughter. I want to raise my son without the stereotypes and if we do have a daughter in the future, I'd like to do the same for her as well.
YES
Love this comic! (Female engineer here)
I approve this message. :-)
I think I'll just stick to having my children watching Mulan: "you can be girly if you want. You can be a tomboy if you want. You can be both or even neither,because regardless who you are and how you dress you have the potential to change the world".
That's gonna be a huge challenge Mr. Lunarbaboon!
I have two daughters. Soon your world will be a lot more pink and fluffy.
But never give up on the challgenge. It's fun! Pink lego is still lego. :)
Fight the good fight, Space Monkey Man!
This is a nice book to help combat the princess horde, especially if she likes the outdoors.
http://www.amazon.com/Girls-Who-Looked-Under-Rocks/dp/1584690119
Good job for planning on protecting your future daughter from the "princess culture".
It'll be a girl? Congrats! I share your exact pain. Found out last month that I'll have a daughter in a few months and my wife has already started buying ribbons, dresses and all things "girly". Teaching her the ways of geekdom and gender equality will be challenging. Good luck baboon. ;-)
Excellent!
What about Elsa, Mulan, Tiana, Esmeralda, etc? (Esmeralda was one of my idols growing up, strong, beautiful, and could kick the other heros ass in a fight lol)
I know who Malala is, as well as Temple Grandin - but can anyone tell me about the other names?
Try not to worry so much. With love and support, perhaps she too will one day show her butt to the class.
As a female engineer, I'll say don't worry about the princesses. I loved them when I was little (still do now, really), but it didn't stop me from loving math and science, too.
This is what my brother and sister-in-law are going through with my niece. They have asked friends and family to keep the "girly" gifts to a minimum for as long as possible. When the kid starts asking, that's different. But for now, she's getting exposed to as much as possible!
Should also add Gráinne Ní Mháille (aka Grace O'Malley) Celtic Pirate Queen. Best of both worlds. :-)
If you are going to be a princess at least kick butt at it.
I grew up with the princesses (the Grimm ones and the Disneyfied ones) and I turned out to be a scientist. Don't stress too much :) It's ok for girls to like makeup and princesses, doesn't mean they're not smart or independent.
Want a good example of a princess? Try Twilight Sparkle from "MLP: Friendship is Magic." She's a princess (now) but she's smart, curious, an enthusiastic student, loves adventure, has great friends, is struggling to learn how to be a princess and a leader, and understands that such a job comes with tons of responsibilities that don't just include fancy dresses and elaborate balls.
Seriously, you want a show that breaks gender stereotypes? Ironically it's the latest generation of My Little Pony. ^_^
This is such a refreshing outlook as opposed to dad's "protecting" their girls from boys, by empowering her with knowledge and encouraging her to be great. Your daughter is lucky to have you (:
Cannot stop laughing, I was not expecting princess zombies!! #feelyourpain my daughter wears monster pjs and we wrestle, get dirty, and enjoy some pants-free weekends.