We want kids to dream big and become the people they really want to be. This idea is right at the heart of our books (hence all the personalisation).
So we’ve gathered together some quick tips to help empower strong, confident and daring girls.
1. Talk about the heroes of history and today
Gender equality and girls’ empowerment are big, tricky topics to wrangle with on your own, but luckily there’s a whole community out there to help you, offer advice and inspire your little one too. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to talk about feminism. Talk about all the inspiring progress made by women in history and modern heroes who are still campaigning and achieving great things today.
Don’t forget to be honest too about the work that still needs to be done, with everyone working together. Knowing they’re not alone in any worries they may have and that feminism exists to help champion and empower all girls and women is a great boost to mental health and confidence.
2. Seek out strong female role models
From Amelia Earhart to Harriet Tubman to Malala Yousafzai, there are women to look up to from all walks of life, in all careers, past and present – so start introducing her to them. Not sure where to begin? Try our personalised book, Remarkable Rebels, which features the incredible women mentioned above and more.
And don’t forget about the more local heroes too. There might even be a few in your family…
3. Broaden your (entertainment) horizons
Kids absorb important values through the media you enjoy together as a family. See what you can find when you actively seek out books, TV, movies, games and art with non-traditional gender roles. Try to give her some exposure to stories and images by women outside of the mainstream media too.
4. Show her that she can do anything
We’ve all grown up in a society that tells us what girls (and boys) can and can’t do, so we have to be aware of these biases, because they can have a lasting impact, if we pass them on.
If gender stereotypes pop up, ask whether they’re fair. Ask why things are this way and whether they even make any sense. And make sure you’re encouraging girls to take part in activities based on their strengths and interests.
5. Help her grow her passions
If you have a big majestic passion in your life, at some point this was just a little interest, curiosity, or question. She might have a few of these in her life right now. With a bit of watering, passions can give life purpose and meaning – they can provide the drive to overcome obstacles, biases and naysayers.
So keep an eye out for any interests that are sprouting up in her life, especially if they’re getting stomped on for any reason. And who knows, maybe her passion will one day spark joy in other people too – girls, boys, whoever.
If you’re interested in seeing some gender stereotypes flipped on their head, then have a look at Princess You The Great – a princess (or prince) book which teaches kids that it’s what’s on the inside that matters and that everyone has the power to be the hero of their own story.