Psychologists recommend that a crucial role of parents is to educate their children about boundaries in life. These boundaries are not just about physical limits but also encompass emotional, psychological, and social skill boundaries. Helping daughters understand these boundaries can contribute to protecting them from unsafe situations and reducing the risk of harm.
Educating daughters about boundaries also involves encouraging healthy emotional expression. When children know how to express their emotions appropriately and stand firm, they will develop more confidence in their relationships. This helps avoid awkward situations and builds a solid foundation for healthy relationships in the future.
“Honey, don’t be too nice”
According to traditional notions, girls are often taught to be well-behaved, obedient, and cute. However, Chimamanda, one of the most famous female writers of our time, offered a different perspective in her TED talk, “Why We Should All Be Feminists.”
“Did you know? We teach girls to be nice, which is really dangerous. This can cause girls to stay silent in the face of bullying or withdraw when faced with injustice. True strength comes from protecting your true emotions, not conforming to the expectations of others,” she emphasizes.
In the TV series “The Bad Kids,” the character Chu Chao-Yang is an exceptionally well-behaved and understanding child. After his parents’ divorce, he lives with his mother, who often works at a scenic spot and has to live in a company dormitory. So, Chu Chao-Yang goes to school by himself, takes care of his meals and daily life, and still maintains excellent academic performance.
However, this independence also causes him to hide his thoughts. For example, if he is bullied at school, his new shoes are deliberately stepped on by his stepmother’s daughter, or he is led astray by friends, he often chooses to remain silent instead of bothering his parents.
Suppressing emotions and personal needs for an extended period can weaken one’s ability to express and protect themselves as adults. Girls, in particular, are often bound by society’s expectations of “cuteness,” making them more fragile and sensitive.
Therefore, when raising daughters, parents should teach them that they don’t always have to be nice. Instead, it’s more important to help them understand how to respect themselves, express their true thoughts and emotions, and firmly say “no” when necessary. This way, children will maintain their independent character without being influenced by unreasonable demands from the outside world.
Teach Your Daughter That She Doesn’t Always Have to Be Nice
Respect Your Daughter’s Body
We must acknowledge that, in many aspects, girls are often at a disadvantage compared to boys and are more vulnerable to violations or harm. In today’s rapidly changing society, girls are likely to face health risks for various reasons.
For example, to achieve a beautiful appearance, some people experiment with harmful beauty products or adopt extreme weight-loss methods, leading to bodily harm. Additionally, in today’s social media culture, there is increasing pressure on girls regarding their appearance, making them feel the need to constantly prove their worth through their looks.
Furthermore, in relationships, many girls easily give up their autonomy and accept control or abuse from their partners because of love. A lack of education about personal boundaries and self-determination can make it difficult for girls to identify and protect what belongs to them.
Therefore, parents should teach their daughters to protect their bodies and understand that physical health is a top priority. Children should be encouraged to confidently say “no” when facing potential dangers or inappropriate requests. This helps build self-esteem and the ability to protect themselves in challenging situations.
Maintain Financial Independence
“As a woman, you must first strive for financial independence and then talk about other things you should strive for.”
The female writer Yi Shu offered an essential philosophy for today’s world: “As a woman, you should first strive for financial independence and then discuss other goals.” This is not just simple advice but a foundation for long-term autonomy and happiness.
When women are financially independent, they can express their voices and wishes more clearly and be respected. This gives them more confidence in all aspects of life.
With financial capability, women can make decisions about their lives without depending on others. They can pursue their passions, realize their dreams, and take charge of building the future they desire.
Facing difficulties: When children are taught the importance of financial independence, they won’t be overwhelmed by life’s challenges. From choosing a career to making decisions in relationships, financial independence helps them navigate their destiny calmly and confidently.
Parents should guide their daughters to have the ability or skills to earn money, have a career, and generate income, regardless of their future profession or spouse. This builds a solid foundation for their lives, creating confidence and independence.
Financial independence not only empowers women economically but also enables them to make free choices based on their strengths at every turning point in life.
Financial Independence Empowers Women to Make Choices Based on Their Strengths
Happiness Through Self-Awareness and Independence
Regardless of their role, girls should not sacrifice their personal development. It’s essential that they understand taking care of themselves and developing skills benefits not only themselves but also creates better conditions to support those around them.
True happiness comes from self-awareness, not others’ recognition. Self-awareness helps girls understand their values, interests, and dreams better. When they know what they want and need, they can set healthy boundaries and make the right decisions for themselves.
Being “selfish” to a moderate extent means taking responsibility for oneself. This doesn’t mean refusing to help others or neglecting responsibilities but recognizing that when they become the best version of themselves, they can sincerely love and care for others. From this place of strength and energy, they can shoulder responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed or pressured.
“The Brighter the Child, the Harder They Are to Raise: Nurturing Little Leaders with a Bright Future.”
Allowing children the freedom to explore and learn through play can sometimes yield better results than forcing them to conform to a rigid study routine.
The Magic of Art: 20 Pictures to Guide Your Child’s Creative Journey.
Parents should harness the power of coloring pages as an effective tool to foster a love of learning and unleash their children’s creativity.
“A Mother’s Shocking Discovery: The Secret Under Her Daughter’s Pillow”
I was going to give that girl a piece of my mind, but then I thought better of it. Resorting to such methods is never a wise solution.
“Raising Children with Virtues and Talents: The Ancient Wisdom of “Avoiding 3 Things for Sons and 4 Things for Daughters””
When it comes to raising sons and daughters, parents who can recognize and appreciate gender differences, as well as nurture their unique strengths, will be better equipped to foster their holistic development.
The Six Times Parents Must Firmly Say “No” to Their Children’s Requests
“Children should refrain from kicking the seats in front of them, playing with their tray tables, or creating a ruckus on the plane. These actions can disturb fellow passengers, and it’s important to remember that the aircraft is a shared, public space,” emphasized Dr. Markham.
