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How to raise strong and fearless girls

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Raising strong girls

Strong girls used to be used as a negative phrase – thankfully times have moved on and progress but we do live in an age where gender stereotyping still snares our girls. Just take one look in a toy catalogue and there will be clearly defined pink and blue pages – it’s likely that one will be showing dolls and pushchairs and the other will be showing cars and building toys. This even extends to clothes – rather than being practical they often carry misguided slogans that perpetuate the gender stereotypes.

Yet many parents actively want to raise a strong, independent women and this needs to start in childhood.

Five suggestions on how you can raise a strong and feisty girl.

1: Buy gender neutral clothes that are fit for purpose. Strong girls looks great in clothes in primary colours – colours that are bright and cheery and are often made for play. It’s also a great way to save money – you can pass them down to younger siblings and get twice the value from them!
2: Let your girls try lots of activities. They maybe the next top swimmer or top cricket player like Heather Wright (England Captain if you’re unsure) but unless you encourage them to try how will you ever know. Do taster days of activities and encourage a have a go attitude. My three children have very different sporting interests and it’s taken time for each to find the one that excites them. I don’t actually mind if they do something for a term and then change their mind, but we always finish a course I’ve paid for.
3: Use gender neutral terms or at least tell your princess that she is strong she is fearless and she can do it.
4: Be the role model you want her to see. Are you up for a challenge do you feel the fear and do it anyway? I fear heights but my three have watched me do a leap of faith and a tree top challenge on holidays.
5: Educate your children by highlighting amazing women to them. Inspire them with stories of women who do amazing things. Remember that can be local heroes too – the single mum doing it on her own or perhaps the local fundraiser who has raised thousands for charity. Look around you, see strong women and champion them.

Cricket tots classes are open to everyone and we welcome strong and fearless young girls (and boys of course). Please get in touch if you would like information on our classes and how you can encourage your strong girl to have an active lifestyle and be a team player!

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