It’s nearly impossible for me to go out and about with my boys without people asking me, “Are you going to go for the girl?” or “How does it feel to have only boys?” Frankly, it’s getting pretty annoying. I will be the first to admit that I was a little disappointed during my first ultrasound with my youngest son when I saw his “wee wee” waving at me, but it was for only a minute. Okay, maybe five minutes. Instead, I was so thrilled to hear that I was growing a healthy baby boy to cuddle, kiss, and love. And he had my nose!
Now that my boys are older, I have adjusted to the life of a boy mom. I know a ton more about construction vehicles than I ever thought possible, have a knack for knowing just where the worms are hiding in our garden, and realize that there is nothing sweeter than the love between a boy and his mama. But as much as my boys are rough and tough, it is my duty to also raise them as gentlemen…and feminists. Why? Because as time has shown, women consistently get the short end of the stick, and I want to do my part in raising the generation that combats gender stereotypes and FINALLY equals the playing field.
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Yes, that’s right, I am raising my little boys to be feminists. Because I am one. And so is my husband. As well as other members of our extended family. When you look up the definition of the term “feminist,” it is someone who believes that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. There is nothing taboo about that. Or political. It’s just realizing that your reproductive parts play no role in how amazing you are. And I want my boys to realize that at an early age.
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A few months ago, we had our first play date at a little girl’s house. How it took so long for that to happen, I simply don’t know. Maybe I was afraid that my rough and tumble boys would destroy someone’s house. Or I was simply naïve to think that kids of all genders wouldn’t be able to decide what to play together for a two hour span. But let me tell you, it was a typical yet fun play date that actually inspired me to start putting feminism on their radar. It was also perfect timing, with all of the Women’s Rights Marches that have been taking place all over the world and the word persist taking on a whole new meaning.
How have we been including the ideas of feminism in our parenting? Well, like all other values we try to instill in our children, through simple dialogue. When my boys told me that I couldn’t come hang out in their tent with them because of their “No Girls Allowed” rule, I simply questioned them about it. They had no reason for it, other than that they saw a sign that said that in a book. Seriously.
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So I did what any other mom (and Reading Specialist) would do, and brought home a bunch of books that highlighted how boys and girls are equally creative, kind, and amazing. Some of my family’s favorites? Rosie Revere, Engineer and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, as well as I Dissent!, a book that celebrates the journey of Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the US Supreme Court, written by Debbie Levy. You can find other great book recommendations to open minds of readers of all ages here.
Now that major retailers like Target are highlighting the strength and power of women (I mean, there’s a reason why those “Strong Like Mom” shirts sold out in just a day—we ARE strong!), there are tons of adorable and affordable ways to incorporate stylish and powerful graphic tees into your family’s wardrobe. Since I am a vigilant supporter of local, mom owned businesses, I am thrilled that I can stop by One Strange Bird to find the perfect tees for my boys and I, or seek out wearable art from the talented Monica Zanetti. They generously provided the wardrobe for our fun photo shoot.
My boys and their sweet friend taught me that they don’t particularly care about gender roles…all they care about is being around fun, kind and respectful people. And I mean…who can argue with that?!?!
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I want to give a special thank you to the amazing mom bosses I collaborated with for this post, from the talented Lori Sapio to the creative Nicole Northway of One Strange Bird and Monica Zanetti. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Bravo Amanda!
Awesome! I’ve been having these convos with my boys too… yes, girls can do everything boys can do, sometimes even better!!
Bravo!! I am so supportive of what you are doing with your boys! I have a 7 year old stepson and I definitely want to teach him girl power too!!
This is awesome. My little guy is only 9 months old but I love the idea of reading them books celebrating strong women!
Definitely read some of those fantastic books. They are great stories.
I LOVE this! Girls should know how amazing they can be, and boys should know it, too!
Yes. And they should work together to support one another on their journey of AMAZINGNESS. Even if that isn’t a word. 😉
You are a five start mama! Our young men need to be raised to know that girl power is just power. Girls and boys are equal. They are both capable of doing whatever they set their minds to.
Yes. THIS. Their capabilities are ENDLESS!!!
Such a great post! Lovely photos too!
Thanks! Lori Sapio takes amazing photos!
It is so important to teach young boys to respect women. Enough of that us versus them mentality!
Yes. We are ALL working together.
Beautiful family. My son has an older sister, me, and three activist grandmothers so I really hope and think he’ll be a feminist. It’s so important to teach these things and share this awesome info!! Such great photos!
Sounds like you have a wonderful family with great values.
These shirts are fantastic, I will have to get myself one! The books sound like great tools for teaching young kids that everyone is equal.
Exactly. Now I just need to find an “Equality is Cool” tee.
I’ve primarily raised my son, and I’m proud to say he’s well aware of girl power. He’s an amazing little guy, and at 11 – shows a great respect for women.
You sound just as amazing, mama!
Great post, and great pics!!!
Aww, thanks! xo
Teaching them about girl power at a young age is very important. Kudos to you. You are raising your boys well.
I’m all about raising respectful boys who will make the world a better place for all of us.
What a great post! You are teaching your boys great lessons and I love your shirts!!
Thanks!
This is such an awesome conversation to have with little boys! Those shirts are absolutely priceless, too.
Exactly. I hope to be the mom who raises gentlemen who make the world a better place.
You have handsome boys! I have a daughter and a son and teaching them about boy and girl is stuff is quite important/.
Thank you.
I have 1 girl and two boys. I was sorta disappointed when I found out my youngest was a boy too. I kept saying girl but then before my ultrasound, I had a dream that it was a boy. Guess what my dream was right. I am thankful for him. He is an amazing boy and I want him to know that boys and girls are all awesome in their own way.
You are 100% correct. And I can totally understand your mix of emotions at your ultrasound.
I love how you look at this idea of teaching boys about women issues. I have one girl and two boys and we have had discussions about how people are treated unfairly, woman are told they cannot do certain things, and also that men are told to not be sensitive. All of these traditional gender rules need to be shifted and it starts with the younger kids who will hopefully grow up in a more positive world!
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Cute shirts! My friend actually told me she isn’t a feminist. I wasn’t quite sure how to react. It surprises me that some people are scared by the term itself, when my guess is she believes women should have the same rights as men? Wonderful that you are raising well rounded kids 🙂
I’m sure that was an awkward conversation. Not sure why people are so nervous about certain words.
So awesome! We feel the same way as well. Those shirts are super cute!
Thanks. Glad to see I’m not alone in spreading such a powerful and important message!
You are awesome Mom! You’re really a good mother. I like this post and its helpful for me.
Thanks for the kind words.
This really so much fun. Those shirt are cute.
Cute, comfortable, and important in sharing an important message that will undoubtedly make the world a better place.
Love these shirts. How cute are they! It looks like you had a really great time with the little ones. It’s so important to teach boys girl power!
I really hope that my boys learn that they are equal to the girls they play with at the park and school every single day.
Go, mom! I’m loving the shirts and the message you’re teaching your boys.
Thanks!
Great work and I love the shirt. Many people don’t realize that boys only know if we teach them the right ways to trust us. = yolonda
It’s soooo important for boys to understand girl power! Especially from a young age. Great job!!!