I often shake my head in bewilderment at the people presented as role models to our children, specifically our girls. We see these tweens and teens carefully created, glammed-up and packaged for presentation to our easily influenced youngins as people they should strive to be. However, these girls grow up and rebel against their squeaky clean images and go from this:
To this:
And it happened pretty damn quickly with Miley. Do I want my daughter to think this is what she should strive for? Not really.
Lucky for me my quirky, sporty girl is WAY more interested in Harry Potter than looking sexy. I know how important it is for our children to have positive role models they can relate to and for a sports obsessed 7 year-old girl this often seems difficult. However, lately, there have been role models aplenty!
I am thrilled that my daughter's competitive soccer team had two young female coaches. These young women were motivated and motivating, focusing on what really matters - fun. My girl loved her coaches and, although she worked very hard in their games she didn't feel pressured and came away having had a phenomenal experience. And because of this approach they even won their last tournament. What fabulous role models!
And now my daughter has the opportunity to join a group of hockey playing girls from across Canada through the Chevrolet Safe & Fun Hockey program. Not only will she get to meet Olympic champions Cassie Campbell and Gillian Apps but she will get to play hockey with other girls who love the game. They will learn about safety and team and get perspective from those who know best, the champs.
But, most importantly, these girls will be introduced to some amazing female role models who have achieved their goals along with their team and who focus on self-respect and hard work instead of looks and popularity.
The Your Biggest Fan Blog Series is sponsored by Chevrolet. All content is true, based on Jen's personal experience.
To this:
And it happened pretty damn quickly with Miley. Do I want my daughter to think this is what she should strive for? Not really.
Lucky for me my quirky, sporty girl is WAY more interested in Harry Potter than looking sexy. I know how important it is for our children to have positive role models they can relate to and for a sports obsessed 7 year-old girl this often seems difficult. However, lately, there have been role models aplenty!
I am thrilled that my daughter's competitive soccer team had two young female coaches. These young women were motivated and motivating, focusing on what really matters - fun. My girl loved her coaches and, although she worked very hard in their games she didn't feel pressured and came away having had a phenomenal experience. And because of this approach they even won their last tournament. What fabulous role models!
My girl with some positive role models.
And now my daughter has the opportunity to join a group of hockey playing girls from across Canada through the Chevrolet Safe & Fun Hockey program. Not only will she get to meet Olympic champions Cassie Campbell and Gillian Apps but she will get to play hockey with other girls who love the game. They will learn about safety and team and get perspective from those who know best, the champs.
But, most importantly, these girls will be introduced to some amazing female role models who have achieved their goals along with their team and who focus on self-respect and hard work instead of looks and popularity.
The Your Biggest Fan Blog Series is sponsored by Chevrolet. All content is true, based on Jen's personal experience.
ugh! my oldest is 7 and loves hannah montana which, to me, is fine. she will not ever know miley cyrus if i can help it (i know, good luck with that!)
i'm starting to actively seek decent real women that we can discuss. it's nice that she has such great soccer coaches....that's fantastic!
Good idea, Julie to actively seek out a diverse group of role models. Even if your daughter doesn't seem too interested it will sink in!
I think for my girl looking up to her big brother who she idolizes has shifted her interests and the type of role model she is drawn to. I just worry about the superficiality of many of the role models our girls see. What is there to admire except designer clothes, good looks and lots of money?? Scary, right?
Very informative, thanks for clearing up some issues for me! :)