Raising Mighty Girls
Happy Sunday Morning! We had our first snow of the season this week, so I suppose it’s officially winter. I hope you all are preparing for a festive and yummy Thanksgiving Day.
My thoughts this morning are turning towards how important it is to raise girls. As my granddaughters grow, I’m watching them learn how to navigate the world of friendships, the possibilities of what they’re interested in and good at, and dealing with boundaries (ones they make themselves and ones the world makes for them). Growing up as a girl isn’t easy. Between societal expectations, peer pressure, and navigating the minefield of relationships, our girls face a lot. That’s why it’s critical we empower them to take control of their lives, build healthy relationships, and pursue their dreams without apology. We’re raising the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change makers—and they need us in their corner.
Relationships Matter, But So Does Self-Respect
Have you ever read Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman? If you haven’t, grab a copy. It’s an eye-opener into the dynamics of girl friendships and how these relationships shape self-esteem, decision-making, and confidence. Back when I was an assistant principal at a Jr. High, I created an anti-bullying initiative based on Wiseman’s book (it’s also the book that inspired the movie Mean Girls, if you’re more familiar with that). I wanted to make middle school a bully-free environment for my students, and I especially wanted to tackle girl-on-girl bullying (not to mention the patriarchy that was alive and well in the Bible Belt). It involved a lot of education for everyone, including our staff, a lot of structural change, and quite a few paradigm shifts. It was so worth it. Our girls need to know that they don’t have to fit into any clique or play by someone else’s rules to be worthy. It’s okay to walk away from relationships that feel toxic or one-sided. Healthy friendships are built on respect, trust, and kindness—period. And we, as parents, teachers, and mentors, have to model that.
We also need to remind our girls that their voices matter. Saying “no,” expressing their opinions, and standing up for themselves isn’t rude—it’s necessary. Whether it’s setting boundaries with a friend, speaking up in class, or calling out unfair treatment, being assertive is a skill they’ll carry for life. Let’s teach them early that their worth isn’t up for negotiation.
Dream Big, Then Dream Bigger
One of my favorite resources for inspiring girls is A Mighty Girl. It’s a treasure trove of books, toys, and role models that show girls they can be anything. Want to be an engineer? A chef? A pilot? A teacher? A stay-at-home-mom? An entrepreneur? Go for it! The world is waiting.
But here’s the catch: we have to give our girls the tools to turn those dreams into reality. That means encouraging them to explore their interests without limits. If your daughter loves math, don’t let anyone tell her it’s “too hard” or “not for girls.” If your student wants to be a supreme court judge, show her women who are thriving in that field. Representation matters, and when girls see women breaking barriers, it plants the seed of possibility.
And let’s not forget about balance. While we cheer on their ambitions, we also need to teach them how to rest, recharge, and prioritize their mental health. A well-balanced life isn’t just about achieving goals—it’s about enjoying the journey, too.
Teachers: The Unsung Heroes of Empowerment
Teachers, you play such a huge role in shaping confident, empowered young women. In your classrooms, you have the power to create a culture of inclusion and respect. Here are a few ways you can help:
Celebrate every student’s strengths. Whether it’s excelling in STEM, rocking a creative project, or showing kindness to a peer, let girls know their contributions matter.
Teach them to think critically. Encourage your students to question stereotypes, analyze media messages, and advocate for themselves.
Be a role model. Show them what self-respect, healthy boundaries, and resilience look like. They’re watching, even when you think they’re not.
And when you notice a girl struggling—whether it’s with self-confidence, friendships, or academic pressure—be her ally. Sometimes, all it takes is one adult who believes in her to change the course of her life.
A Call to Action: Let’s Do This Together
Empowering girls isn’t just a task for parents or teachers or even just for women; it’s a collective effort. We all have a role to play. Dads and brothers and uncles and male colleagues and bosses..let’s give our girls the tools to build healthy relationships, chase their dreams, and be unapologetically themselves. Let’s encourage them to embrace who they are, speak their minds, and take up space in this world. There’s a myth out there about women not supporting each other. Let’s prove that it’s just that…a myth.
When we empower girls, we’re not just shaping individuals—we’re building a future full of strong, confident women who will change the world. And that’s a vision worth fighting for.
Cheers to that!
