Hi. Lindsay here. BIG fan of yours, I really am. I love seeing you guys in the middle of parenthood. I hate the way you're often portrayed in shows- you are every bit as capable as us moms; you are loving, resourceful, and awesome. And, just being real here, a moment between a dad and his kiddo can bring me to tears faster than any P&G Olympic commerical, and trust me, that's saying A LOT.
Seriously, you rock. But, could you do me one teensy favor?
Actually, it's not teensy. It's huge.
Could you possibly stop using being female as an insult? Especially in front of your daughters?
You're probably thinking, what?! I don't do that. I'd never.
But...yes. Yes some of you do.
Maybe you call your buddy Mike "Michelle" because he missed a shot while you played hoops.
Maybe you asked another guy if they needed a pad. Or a bra. Or something other lady-girl accessory for their non-existent lady parts.
Maybe a football player on TV cried, and you called him a girl.
Do you know what you're telling your daughter?
You're telling her she's weak.
You're telling her she's the butt of a joke.
You're telling her that being a girl is an insult.
I get that this may seem harmless, but it's not. I promise, it's not.
I absolutely love that my son and my daughters are different. I'm not foolish enough after eleven years on mom duty to deny that gender does play a role in personality and preferences. But are my girls inferior? Absolutely not!
I know you love your girls like I love mine, like my husband loves ours, and I know you wouldn't hurt them for the world. But this seemingly innocuous dig sends a clear message to your daughters: you are less.
So, stop. No step-down programs, just cold turkey. Stop using being female as an insult. Your daughters will thank you.
Thanks,
The mother of three equally amazing kids.
Edit: Come to think of it, stop saying it around (and to) your sons, too- we don't need another generation growing up with this mentality. Thanks!
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