Monday, September 07, 2009

Raising A Daughter


I recently read a quote from my friend, Tracey, on Facebook that accurately sums up my thoughts on raising a daughter:

There are two types of women in the world - pioneers and princesses. Pioneers make their own happiness and princesses look for others to do it for them.

I am simply a happy pioneer who refuses to raise my daughter as a princess.

I couldn't get it out of my head. I thought and thought about it and then finally researched on-line to find out its origin. Dr. Meg Meeker included it in this book:

I found this article, which discusses how our society is going through a crisis of masculinity.....where a father's influence on his daughter is more important than ever to the choices she'll make down the road.

Finally.....I can put it into words......part of this whole "raising a daughter" thing that terrifies me. I worry often about Lainey - simply because she's a girl - feeling the world owes her something. Scared she'll wait for a man to define her happiness.

And, yes, people I know she's not even 2 years old. Doesn't mean I can't get a head start on this stuff.

13 comments:

The Soladay Family said...

Brilliant post, and I couldn't agree more.

Jodee said...

It is a bit scary raising a daughter!

I love your new blog look!

Hope you have a great week!

Dee Stephens said...

Love the new blog look as well. I agree - my Dad - even though he was tough - made sure I wasn't a primadonna.
Good stuff Casey!

The Jones Family said...

Love it.

SASS said...

I'm scared shitless to have a girl someday. Hope it's all boys-I was a tough one to raise. Stubborn and wild. Guess I turned out okay.
Love that quote-definitely one to live by. Always thought-provoking posts from you!

donatelli98 said...

Great post - I think because you are so aware of what you want Lainey to be, she won't be dependent on a man and will be a pioneer! Love the new blog look - how did you do your header?

The Lenzers said...

So true! I worry for opposite reasons with the boys-how to respect women and family, be sensitive, to understand the importance of family for they themselves become fathers. It's not just about bringing home the bacon anymore! Such things to think about as parents. But you are doing great, with both genders!!

Shannon said...

I always changed the end of princess stories to be "and then she went to college, got a career and married an equal." notevenkidding.

Live.Love.Eat said...

I think it's wonderful you're thinking about these things now. It's never too soon to start molding their minds.

P.S. I finally got to the store and will be putting a little sumptin sumptin in the mail for you tomorrow.

merrilee said...

So true. . . you and Blake are obviously doing an AMAZING job as parents. I seriously don't know how you pack so much into a day. Their little minds are always learning something new!

Clare said...

I have been so worried about having a daughter since the second we walked out of the sonogram. That is a great quote-I will definitely check out the book too.
When I was pregnant and people asked what we need (or theme, or anything that opened the door) I would say "anything but princess stuff". So many baby girl things are princess, it's sickening.
As usual, great post.

Malinda said...

I only have a boy, but I love that quote. I was not raised as a princess, but as an equal to my brother. If he had to mow the lawn, I had to help. I'm very thankful for that.

The Rand's said...

good quote. kinda funny because i refer to g as 'the princess' on my blog. but only because she's my little princess! i hope and pray that she will become a pioneer!