Let’s have a chat about something that’s been bothering me lately. You know what? It’s really not our job to police how our daughters dress. Seriously, we shouldn’t be the ones telling them not to wear something “too sexy.” It’s also not our responsibility to constantly remind them about the dangers of parties, drinking, or hookup culture. And walking alone at night? That’s not something they should have to avoid just because of potential threats.
Think about it—how often do we find ourselves warning our daughters to keep their heads down on public transport or to downplay their friendliness so they don’t attract unwanted attention? It’s exhausting and unfair. We shouldn’t be giving them whistles or mace or anything else to fend off the harassment. It’s high time we stop placing the burden of safety on our girls.
Changing the Narrative
For too long, society has conditioned women to navigate the world as if they’re constantly in danger, as if they’re prey. I mean, it’s disheartening. I’m a mom of two boys now, and I often wonder how they’ll grow up. Will they be respectful? Will they understand the importance of consent? I know that parents can’t control everything about their kids’ behavior, but we absolutely have a role in shaping how they view women.
Focusing on Our Sons
So, let’s focus on our sons. It’s our duty to teach them that “no means no,” but also that “yes doesn’t always mean yes.” They need to understand that seeing a girl who’s had a few drinks is not an invitation to take advantage of her. We should explain that catcalling—yes, even if it’s meant to be complimentary—is harassment.
And let’s not forget: no one should ever be touched without explicit permission. We need to make it clear that being nice, buying gifts, or taking someone out doesn’t mean they owe you anything in return. Hair pulling and other forms of teasing are not funny; they’re disrespectful.
Instilling Respect
And here’s a thought: we need to instill in our boys that their reputation doesn’t matter more than a woman’s dignity. They should never support friends engaging in harmful behavior towards women. Sharing private photos or bragging about conquests? That kind of stuff just perpetuates a culture of disrespect.
So, how do we do better by our girls? By raising better boys. We have to reject that “boys will be boys” mentality and acknowledge any sense of entitlement we may have inadvertently given them.
Changing the Conversation
When I see those memes of dads threatening boys who mess with their daughters, I can’t help but feel sad. It’s a reminder that we still see boys as predators and girls as victims. But we can change that narrative.
Let’s commit to raising compassionate, respectful men who treat women right. We owe it to our daughters so they won’t have to learn how to keep themselves safe.
Explore Family Options
And if you’re looking to explore options for starting a family, consider checking out Make A Mom, which offers at-home insemination solutions, the only reusable option available. You can also find a supportive community at Make A Mom’s Facebook group. If you’re curious about how at-home insemination works, this guide is super helpful. Plus, if you’re looking to boost fertility, don’t miss our post on fertility supplements.
So, let’s do this together!
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