5 Things To Teach Our Daughters By Example

There are basically five issues which seem to linger even after 160 years of American history. In 1854 a petition was filed which may have been the first official formal approach to the American government. The issue count multiplies when we explore the world.

As the years went by there have been countless actions, petitions, events, awareness campaigns, laws, and addendum in the name of equality for women.

Today I would like to provide five ideas about how we (mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, family, friends, and community) can teach, by example, the root of the five primary issues which seem to hold on in spite of the progress made.

The five issues:

1. Self Concept,
2. Role Opportunities,
3. Barriers to Entry in Work, Service, and Education,
4. Self Sufficiency -- Independence, and
5. Spirituality.

Show Her The Truth

One of the reasons self confidence is number one on the list of five issues is because each girl has an image of what she is supposed to look like, to talk like, to act like, and every other aspect of her personality. She often carries the burden of what the world says is the norm.

We aren't telling her the truth.

When we redefine beauty then she will as well.

Teach her by example to learn the truth about each of the ''perfect'' examples in the world. Start by watching this short film with her. This will show how people look in everyday life and the process it takes to make models look the way they do in advertising, music videos, and movies.

Show her by example the natural beauty she possesses and value her so she will learn to value herself. Be an example by recognizing and appreciating your own natural beauty.

Give Her A Choice

There are many areas of life which often have set standard for the roles each person will take in a given situation. Some of these may seem, as one gentleman said "unchangeable" as he explained it was a woman's role to bear children.

The truth is each women has a right to choose her role. Not every women 'must' have children. Each person (man or women) has a right to choose the role or roles they would like to take in life. And, each has the right to negotiate to change norms, break established mindsets, or explore until a choice is made.

Celebrating transformation. Danielle is a young girl who has taken her challenges, found solutions, and is teaching other kids how to be victorious even when they are challenged with ADHD or ADD.

Danielle Herb has changed the journey for herself and countless others. We see countless more sharing in the extraordinary courage and purpose this remarkable women is sharing as well. Lets begin at the beginning... Danielle Herb has ADHD. She might have followed the 'rules' and we would have still called her remarkable and courageous for 'handling' her challenges.

Well... Danielle had something else in mind. Rather, in her heart and her spirit. She has a passionate desire to make a difference, she started by making a difference in her own life and now she is guiding others to having the same opportunity. Danielle is a Leader in every sense of the word and she is our July Women Leader! I am honored to introduce to you Danielle Herb.

Danielle is featured in numerous publications The Autism News celebrated Danielle's passion and her ability to translate her experiences into service for other kids with similar challenges.

Seems just about anywhere people are talking about ADHD or ADD and even Autism, we will find Danielle Herb coming up in the conversation.

This young women has revolutionized the approach to ADHD and when you think about it perhaps any problem kids are faced with today.

Danielle Herb is focusing on a part of healing and self realization that only comes from within us. Meaning she isn't 'healing' kids at all, instead she is giving them the tools to heal themselves. In doing this, passing on what helped her in the hopes it will help others, she is empowering others.

It is time to take a closer look at this remarkable women.

We showcase Danielle this month in GypsyOwl's Women Leaders Showcase to thank her for her dedication and passion, and to envite others to support her work.

This is a movie project which has documented stories about the changes in the military regarding women. The movie project began in 2014. There are many supporters and contributors to the story (interviews were with actual cadets from the era).

This is an example of the process and progress women have made in education and service. The progress varies depending on the industry and the barriers to entry are gradually lifting.

Often the message about women being self sufficient and independent is focused on what men think about it. This is a dangerous approach because a girl finds herself thinking she is being independent while she is applying what she understands in the message.

The message is saying she is taking on a role to gain his approval.

The example we have the opportunity to model for our daughters is to learn how to be independent ourselves. Educating ourselves and our daughters about independent living is a step in the right direction.

The next step is to be an example of what we learn.

The role models women and men have in their lives are consistently influencing and have the capacity to transform or to hinder. People throughout history have believed in a variety of religions and have made choices to live by them or not.

One of the issues as it applies to our daughters is how we show her by example what we believe. It isn't helpful to tell her what we believe and then not live by it. If we aren't sure of our beliefs then we might like to find out why and make a decision.

There is rarely animosity when the examples in our lives are sincere. When we learn what our beliefs are and teach by being a living example we give her hope as well as the opportunity to learn what her own beliefs are.