I often shake my head in bewilderment at the people presented as role models to our children, specifically our girls. We see these tweens and teens carefully created, glammed-up and packaged for presentation to our easily influenced youngins as people they should strive to be. However, these girls grow up and rebel against their squeaky clean images and go from this:
To this:
And it happened pretty damn quickly with Miley. Do I want my daughter to think this is what she should strive for? Not really.
Lucky for me my quirky, sporty girl is WAY more interested in Harry Potter than looking sexy. I know how important it is for our children to have positive role models they can relate to and for a sports obsessed 7 year-old girl this often seems difficult. However, lately, there have been role models aplenty!
I am thrilled that my daughter’s competitive soccer team had two young female coaches. These young women were motivated and motivating, focusing on what really matters – fun. My girl loved her coaches and, although she worked very hard in their games she didn’t feel pressured and came away having had a phenomenal experience. And because of this approach they even won their last tournament. What fabulous role models!
But, most importantly, these girls will be introduced to some amazing female role models who have achieved their goals along with their team and who focus on self-respect and hard work instead of looks and popularity.
The Your Biggest Fan Blog Series is sponsored by Chevrolet. All content is true, based on Jen’s personal experience.