Raise our Sons More Like Our Daughters
“We’ve begun to raise daughters more like sons… but few have the courage to raise our sons more like our daughters.”
― Gloria Steinem
What does it mean to raise our sons more like our daughters?
I raised my daughters to be nurturing, caring, to serve others; To connect, build community, cook and clean. I nurtured and encouraged their unique talents and skills.
I also raised my daughters to have a voice. To speak up for themselves and to speak up for people who were less fortunate than them. To be free thinkers and use their creativity and follow their heart.
In the homeschool community, I witnessed sons being raised in that same way.
I read this quote by Gloria Steinem right after one of my new housemates, Erik, offered to pour me a bath with bath salts, candles and essential oils. (He received support and assistance from Jamie, one of the women, who knew where everything was located. Jamie also brought me a tall glass of water.)
Tonight Jason and Erik are cooking dinner for the house. Playfully creating the meal, telling stories, talking about food intermixed with booming laughter.
Damian just arrived home from a business trip and he listened to the details of my three week trip and then helped me carry things in from the car to the house. Ending the evening with dancing.
I enjoy living with ignited men. I witness when they get angry and when they cry. I see their strengths, the edges they are working on to be better men. I see where they jump in, where they hesitate. I see that they are waking up alongside the women.
Seeing all of this gives me hope for the world. We are raising daughters and sons as full human beings and many of them are now adults who are igniting the world with their desires and passion and brilliance.