Confident Girls

I’ve raised two confident daughters.  That’s not to say they don’t have moments of doubt. We all do.  But when it comes to the basic things in life they pretty much know how to manuever their way through difficult situations and they know who they are.  So do their friends.

On the eve of the Gilmore Girls reunion, I thought I’d compile a short list of the 3 little known things confident girls have in common.  How do I know these things?  Because when my girls meet new girls with whom they click – girls who speak up in class, girls who aren’t afraid to voice their opinions, girls who have no fear of men – these three common denominators always make themselves known.

First, They All Watched Gilmore Girls

Ah, Gilmore Girls!  Isn’t it wonderful to watch a show that depicts educated, complex women who aren’t dependent on men?  A single mom who worked hard and has a wonderful relationship with her super-smart daughter.  A daughter who respects her mother and her grandparents and the people in her community.  A community that wishes each other well and praises the achievements of women.

Second, They All Played with American Girl Dolls & Read the Books

What a wonderful way to learn about American history than through the eyes of historical fiction where the characters come to life in the form of beautiful dolls!  The books are excellent and inspiring.  My daughter Adrienne swears her intrinsic desire to help others came from Samantha’s desire to help her friend Nellie.  If you think American Girl dolls are too expensive, think again.  My girls still have every doll, book, and accessory that they have ever received.  Can you name the toys your girls received for Christmas for the past eighteen years?  They are worth the investment.

The girls are the stars of the show and there is never a hint that a girl cannot be whatever she wants to be.

Third, They All Loved Princess Diaries

Princess Diaries – not your typical princess movie where the girl gets the guy and she turns into a princess.  This movie changes the princess narrative.  Instead of needing a prince to save her, this princess realizes that she can use her title to change lives.  Much like Princess Diana, Princess Mia knows that the title is much bigger than she is.  Instead of sitting back and being pampered, Princess Mia’s reluctance to accept her role changes when she realizes she can use the title to affect change.

The next time you’re around confident girls, ask them these three questions:
“Are you a fan of Gilmore Girls?”
“Did you play with American Girl Dolls?”
“Do you love Princess Diaries?”

Chances are they’ll answer “yes” to all three.