Raising a girl is much different from raising a boy. As their daughters begin to grow up, moms and dads soon realize that they face a number of things to worry about that are unique to raising a daughter.
The following are some of the things moms and dads worry about for their daughters:
Self Esteem
Girls today are inundated, even from a young age, with images and ideals of what beauty is, from the right hair to being thin to wearing the right clothes; many girls are very concerned with their image and their entire self esteem can be wrapped up in the way they look. Moms and Dads often worry about their daughters ability to develop a healthy self-esteem that is not based solely on looks.
In addition, moms and dads worry about other concerns tied to self esteem in their daughters, such as eating disorders, which are much more common in girls than in boys. Many girls are developing eating disorders at a much younger age as a result of the pressure they feel to be thin.
Equality
Some parents worry that their daughters are not treated as well as boys growing up in a number of ways. While society has come leaps and bounds in regards to equality for women, some parents are concerned that their daughters are not seen equally in some respects and may be encouraged to try different activities or subjects that are seen as more appropriate for girls.
Boys
As their daughters begin to grow and date, many parents suddenly become concerned about their daughters dating habits. Date rape is a growing concern for girls, as are other forms of sexual assault on girls, and it is something many parents worry about for their daughters. In addition to that, teenage pregnancy, STDs, and other problems that could arise from dating and being sexually active are all things many moms and dads worry about for their daughters.
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure can be a big worry for parents, as they know their daughters want to fit in with their peers and be well-liked at all ages. Sometimes, in an attempt to be liked, girls will give in to peer pressure and do things that go against what they believe in and in some cases, even what is legal, in order to be liked.
Balance
Another thing parents worry about for their daughters at all ages is striking a balance. Moms and dads worry their daughters will either study too much and neglect their social lives, or study too little and neglect their school work and future. They worry their daughters will not date enough and they worry they will date too much or become sexually active at an early age. They worry they will not get invited to parties or be accepted socially, yet they worry they will be invited to parties where they will be tempted to drink or try drugs. Moms and Dads want their daughters to strike a balance that will enable them to be healthy socially and emotionally at all ages.
Raising a daughter now is difficult, as girls are faced with a unique set of issues and ideals. These are just a few of the things moms and dads worry about when it comes to raising their daughters.
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