I have been a pediatrician for over 30 years. When I was a fourth-year medical student, I had our first child and during residency, I became pregnant each year. Not ideal for many people, but this worked well for my husband and me. As you can see, I truly believe that women can do anything.
I want to take some time to discuss a topic that I’ve been writing, researching and speaking about for a very long time: raising strong daughters.
I have been a pediatrician for over 30 years. When I was a fourth-year medical student, I had our first child and during residency, I became pregnant each year. Not ideal for many people, but this worked well for my husband and me. As you can see, I truly believe that women can do anything.
Every woman knows what type of life is best for her and her family. I feel strongly that women should grow up to have real freedom to choose their lifestyle—whether they choose to be full-time mothers, work outside the home or some combination of the two. As we raise our daughters, we must raise them with the knowledge that they are innately capable and strong, and that no matter what they choose to do with their lives, we as their parent, believe they can be successful.
Every woman knows what type of life is best for her and her family.
How can you ensure that you are raising a strong daughter? Be attentive and intentional about how you parent her and be sure you are following these four principles:
Believe in her.
In September 1979, my father spoke a single sentence that changed my life. I had graduated from Mt. Holyoke College earlier in the year and had been rejected from several medical schools, so I was living at home pondering Plan B. One evening, I overheard my father talking to a friend on the phone.
“I’m excited to tell you that my daughter, Meg, will be starting medical school next fall. She’s not quite sure where, though.”
My head went hot. What was he saying? I’ll be going to medical school next fall? How can he say that?
My father believed something about me that I couldn’t yet believe myself. Not only did he believe it, but he, a doctor himself, put his reputation on the line in front of his friend.
I felt thrilled and excited because my father’s confidence gave me hope. And sure enough, in fall 1980, I started medical school, just as my father had said.
When your daughter senses you believe in her, she begins to believe in herself, and when she does, she can do anything.