Looking for the Balance

There’s this awesome page I follow on Facebook–A Mighty Girl.   Several times a day they post a story about an amazing female, some from today and some from the past, who has made her own mark in this world.  From athletes to scientists to authors.  I have so enjoyed reading amazing stories and learning about women I have never heard of before.  They share about books that are great for young girls to read that promote strength and wisdom and are about kindness and anti-bullying and all sorts of good things.  I have been so impressed with this page and its website.  I have found wonderful books for us to share and discuss, and I’ve added to our list of “movies to watch after we read the book”–the most recent one starring Emma Watson.  I’m excited about that one.

But here’s where my worries set in.  I’m all for raising my girls to be strong.  To be wise.  And kind.  And to make wise choices.

But–

I have this baby boy.  Who is seven.  And a half.  (He won’t let me forget the half now.)  And he smells nice and he’s funny and I want him to be strong and wise and kind too.  And I really want him to think and make wise choices.

So far I haven’t found a website that is comparable for boys.   I really want one too.  I didn’t realize how much I did until I saw a book shared on the AMG page–something about 20 women who changed the world.  I would love to find role models like that for my little guy Cooter.   (I mean Star Wars and superheroes can only get us so far.)  I searched on-line and found a similar book for boys.  I was thankful, but I still feel that there is a lack of good material out there for my boy.

Is it because we as a society think males don’t need any support or inspiration or role models?

Sigh.

It’s a hard balance to find.  Even in our own home as I try to empower my girls, I worry that I may be emasculating him with the direction some of the conversations go around here.

And bless him.  I want him to have all the best–I want him to grow up to change the world for the better too.  But how can he if he doesn’t have good stories of inspiration like I’m finding for my girls, and if we inadvertently become female-centric in our home?

It’s a hard balance.

Sorry.  It bears repeating.

Tonight I’m thankful for my parents who somehow found that balance–who empowered all of their children–three girls and a baby boy.  So many times lately I’ve wished I could seek their wisdom on this.  I appreciate how they raised us to believe in ourselves and each other.

If anyone has thoughts or wisdom to share on this, please do.  I want all my children to be good human beings and good stewards of all they’ve been given.

Love to all.