How to Best Prepare Your Daughters for the Real World?

There is a curious juxtaposition about women these days. Often, they are shown as nothing more than housewives and cooks in all sorts of media, yet they are also expected to be academically strong. In such a society, it is important to ensure that you bring up your daughters in a way that they are capable of standing up for themselves and their dreams. Thanks to times changing however, the age-old paradigm is slowly melting into something new. In such an altering society, the question remains- how would you ensure that your child is capable of facing the storm outside? Let's take a glance at what some professionals have to say about the issue.

Aparna Samuel Balasundaram, Psychotherapist and Parenting Expert

1. Treat your sons and daughters equally

According to her, the most fundamental trick to having a well-adjusted and confident daughter is by treating your sons and daughters the same. Daughters should also be spoken with, and be told that they are just as capable as men, and given an idea as to the variety of careers available in the world, including those which society does not call suitable for women. This sort of mental block should strongly be avoided.

2. Be a role model to your daughter

The mother should be a role model to the child, not just in a domestic way, but also in all sorts of fields, be it one's profession or simple household tasks like finances or changing the bulb, says Aparna.

3. Expose your daughters to female role models

Children should also be exposed to role models, not just famous ones like Kiran Bedi and Sunita Williams, but also people in real life, such as the myriads of female entrepreneurs around.

4. Compliment her brains more than her looks

She also calls for compliments which are given to girls to be based on more than mere physical appearance. In conclusion, it is best to give girls the encouragement and confidence that they can achieve anything they want to in the world, as well as the role models and tools they need to do so!

Kavita Yadav, Parenting Coach and Psychology graduate

5. Teach your daughters to say no when they want to

The most important thing we need to teach our daughters is how to say no, she says. It is important to help your girls realize that there is no pleasing everyone in life. Whether it is in response to societal pressures like getting married, or choosing one's profession, or regarding peer pressure about things like alcohol and drugs, girls should be given the confidence that they can make their choices, and that they can say no if they wish to.

6. Let them know that all their dreams are worthy

Kavita believes that while traditions and culture are important, ultimately, they should not impede one's child from achieving their goals in life. She also thinks that your girl child should be taught that being a home maker is just as worthy a job as being a rocket scientist- as long as the choice is the girl's.

7. Ensure that your work and home lives are both prioritized

She also encourages teaching your kids to strike a balance between one's personal life and one's career.

8. Make decisions that are reasoned out, and discussed healthily

She also believes in the need for rational thinking. A woman and a man both have the right to their thoughts and opinions- however, these should be backed up with logical reasoning, and healthy discussions should be fostered as well.

Praggati Rao, Child/Adolescent Psychologist and Advanced Life Coach  

9. Prove your words with actions:

There is no shortcut to raise resilient children. The only way to do so is to persevere to achieve, walk your talk, and teach children the basics of life while bringing them up, says Praggati.

10. Embody the values you want your daughters to have

The best way to raise a confident girl child and ensure they are successful in life is to ensure that you embody the requisite values. If you are a parent who constantly complains about politics or taxes, your children will follow your lead. However, if you choose to seize every moment, and live it to the best, you can raise children who are appreciative of their opportunities and choices, as well as ones who can change the world!

Jyotika Bedi, Psychologist and Education Guidance Expert

11. Be decisive and confident

The best sort of parent is one who is self-confident and assured. Ensure that you are decisive in your actions and show your girl that it is possible to be capable and confident. You will need to set that preliminary standard for them.

12. Show your daughters how to remain calm and collected

When your daughter does face a difficult situation in life, she will need that memory of you being calm during a crisis, and this will help her to control herself and her emotions while making choices.

In conclusion, it is essential that you give your daughter the tools to deal with any situation, and the poise to face it head on. After all, your daughters deserve nothing but the best.

Happy Women's Day!