Raising children right now feels terrifying.  And raising a daughter? Lately I've felt a little bit lost.  One of my goals as a mother is to show my daughter that she has a voice.  To raise her to feel confident and empowered.  I want her (and all the other girls growing up around her) to know that they MATTER.  I want them to know that they are significant, important, respected.  But lately? The messages seem to be saying the opposite.

Our country is telling us that female voices don't matter.  That male voices, elections, and seats are more important than the experiences of our daughters.  And I'm FIRED UP ABOUT IT.  My daughter's voice does matter.  Your daughters voice matters too.  The voices of my students matter.

While I can't change the state of affairs in Washington, I can certainly change the state of affairs in my household and my classroom.  So this weekend, I decided to go back to what I know.  That what I say to my daughter and the girls in my life…..makes an impact.  A big one.

When I started teaching, I made a list of phrases I wanted to use with my students.  Phrases to use when I wasn't sure what to say.  Phrases that would show them that their feelings and their voices mattered to me.

So, in a time when we all maybe feel insignificant or unheard……..these phrases will help our children feel otherwise.   And when they feel heard and empowered? Our children will help us CHANGE EVERYTHING.

Stay strong ladies, this will change.  Because we will not remain silent, and neither will our children.

9 Things You Can Say to Your Daughter to Empower Her In Daily Life

1. I want to hear what you have to say. 
2. Your feelings are important to me.
3. How you treat others, matters.
4. Do you think that was RIGHT?
5. What does your moral compass tell you?
6. What would YOU like to change about the world?
7. Everyone has a right to be safe.  Safe means that your body AND your feelings are protected.  Do you feel that way now?
8. Was that ok with you?
9. Can I hug you?
10. Thank you for sharing that with me.

This matters.  Our feelings matter.  Our childrens' feelings matter.  And our voices matter.  These simple words? Will make a giant impact (on you as well as your family).

For more on this topic, check out:

How to Raise Strong Women