As I navigated the challenges of motherhood, I developed what I like to call my “Mom Face.” This expression became especially useful as my children grew older. I didn’t realize my own mother had one until I found myself doing the same. The Mom Face is that go-to look you wear when you’re confronted with a question or behavior that completely surprises you, all while trying to project an image of calm control. I strive to create an open atmosphere where my kids feel they can ask me anything. However, there are certain topics that have left me unsure about how to respond, and that’s when my Mom Face really shines.
The year 2020 was a whirlwind of difficult discussions: racism, the pandemic, and everything happening in the political landscape. Unfortunately, 2021 hasn’t been much better. Just before the Presidential election last November, I came home to my daughter excitedly declaring, “I’m going to be the first girl president of the United States!” After a long day at work, I wanted nothing more than to power through our nightly routine. Yet, her enthusiasm was infectious. With her wide, curious eyes, she embodied the innocence of a five-year-old who doesn’t yet grasp the complexities of our political system.
She asked me to read a book her cousin had sent her for her birthday—a delightful story about a girl who realizes that all presidents have been men and decides this is simply unacceptable. Inspired, my daughter immediately proclaimed her ambition to become the next girl president, a sentiment likely fueled by the story’s conclusion where the heroine is immortalized on Mount Rushmore.
However, the book glossed over a crucial question: Why have all the presidents been men? Just after finishing the story, my daughter asked me directly, “Why haven’t we had a girl president in America yet?”
That’s a tough one, sweetie. With my Mom Face firmly in place, I did my best to explain, but my words came out sounding harsher than I intended. “Some men believed women shouldn’t be president, and since women have been allowed to run, none have won.”
Even now, months later, I struggle to provide a fuller answer. How can I explain the concepts of misogyny and sexism in a way that a child can understand? I can’t. It’s difficult to justify the lack of female representation when there are qualified women in politics, and the truth is, men have historically had the upper hand.
I could see the confusion on her face. In her world, she sees women excelling in various roles—working hard, raising families, and finding support from the men around them. In her eyes, women can do anything men can do.
I’ve always told her that achieving her dreams will require hard work and dedication. What we haven’t delved into are the obstacles she may face. I’ve often refrained from discussing how many times I’ve felt overlooked because of my gender or background. After all, I’ve made excuses about my own capabilities, despite knowing my worth. Life is inherently unfair, a lesson that’s tough to convey to a child.
Fortunately, on election day, we celebrated our first female Vice President, which gave me hope that a female president could be within reach. When my daughter asks if she can be the first girl president, I can now respond with genuine conviction: Yes, if you want to, you absolutely can.
As I watch my mixed-heritage daughter grow up in Texas, my motherly instincts tell me that her path won’t always be smooth. I want her to have the confidence to dream big and believe she can achieve anything. For now, I’ll set aside my concerns and continue to encourage her aspirations. She understands enough for her age, and there will be time later to discuss the challenges she may face. While I would love for my daughter to be the first girl president, I secretly hope that another little girl achieves that milestone first. We shouldn’t have to wait another 30 years for equality in representation.
If you’re interested in related topics, you might want to check out this post on home insemination kits, which discusses various related subjects and can help you learn more about the journey to parenthood. For more information, you can also visit Make a Mom, a trusted source on this topic. Additionally, Johns Hopkins Medicine offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
The article discusses the author’s reflections on her daughter’s ambition to become the first female president of the United States. It explores the challenges of explaining the historical lack of female presidents and the societal obstacles women face. The author emphasizes the importance of encouraging her daughter’s dreams while acknowledging the complexities of gender representation in politics.
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