Parenting & Guardianship

with Roberta Smart

How are we talking to our girls?

As I sit down to write this article, England Women’s Football team have just won the Euro finals against Germany. Go Lionesses!

I am thinking of the message received by so many little girls across the world as they watch these incredible sportswomen achieve their dreams: ‘You can do it! You can win! You are amazing and anything is possible.’

In stark contrast to the negativity of most major media coverage of women’s stories, we are seeing a new era of possibilities for our little girls going forward.

“Be strong, brave, determined and focused!”

No longer is the message, “be afraid, protect yourself, play small, keep everyone else happy, be beautiful in order to be worthy” . We are now hearing the message, “be strong, brave, determined and focused!”

So how do we bring this message home to our babies, toddlers and school age girls? How can we begin to change the narrative of the centuries which asked only that girls be pretty and humble, helpful and supportive, caring and nurturing, and actively belittled them for being anything else? By noticing moments of courage, strength, determination and resilience and honouring them.

Commend them for having a voice of their own

As parents and grandparents we can stop commenting on girls’ looks, what they are wearing or indeed their ‘nice manners’, and instead commend them for speaking up, saying no, and having a voice and an opinion of their own. We can offer them opportunities to be strong and powerful; to climb, run, shout, compete, win and lose. We can teach them to be caring and selfhonouring rather than passive and self-neglecting. We can refuse to ‘worry’ about appearances, with regard to weight, hair colour, facial features, and instead see our girls as adventurers and equip them to deal with all that life hands them.

Mostly we can stop sexualising them through clothing choices and comments around being attractive to boys, refusing to condemn them to a life of unworthiness, people pleasing and self denial.

The lionesses have shown us what young women can achieve with the right guidance, support and coaching, and now it is time to bring that home, in our own homes.

Are you ready to raise a lioness?

It may take a while to learn a new way to talk to our girls, but if we are determined, try our best and accept when we get it wrong we will begin to build a new world for women of the future, which enables them to lead, guide, compete and win, no matter what they choose to do. I for one would be proud to see my daughter stand tall, speak her mind and honour herself in any situation. The door is open, the time is now, are you ready to raise a lioness? The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 13

Win Safari tickets w

Dave and Darcy Go on Safa ri

Dave and Darcy are off on safari to see the ani mals of Africa. On their trip they make lots of new friends, from giraffes to lions, as well as a baby elephant that is in trouble! Will they be able to help?

Dave and Darcy Go to the Beach

Dave and Darcy are going to the beach for their summer holidays and a week filled with fun . Follow them on their adventures as they make friends and memories by the sea - but watch out for that naughty seagull!

Dave and Darcy Go to the Show

Dave and Darcy dress up smart to go to the local village pony show. They face many challenges throughout the day including big jumps and tricky dressage routines! How will they do in the competitions? Will they win any rosettes?

Dave and Darcy Have a Birthday Party

It’s Dave’s birthday and the whole gang have come to celebrate with him and Darcy! There will be lots of fun games and lots of yummy cake . Make su re you don’t miss the party!

Dave and Darcy Save Christmas

Santa’s reindeer are all poorly so there is nobody to fly the sleigh and deliver presents. Join Dave and Darcy as they whizz around the world and help to save Christmas!

with Dave andDarcy!

Simply purchase Dave and Darcy Go on Safari , the Dave and Darcy Colouring and Activity Book or the bundle of 5 books in September * to be entered into a draw to win a family ticket to West Midland Safari & Leisu re Park! WIN!

To enter the competition , shop online at www.loiskingscottauthor.com

* If you pre-ordered the Safari storybook, the Colouring bookor the bundle of 5 books , you will automaticall y be entered into the draw. Purchases must be made by midnight on Friday30th September2022. The ticket gives admission to the Park for 2 adults and 2 children , and is valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

• More than50 pages of colouring in • Fun and educational activities • Ideally suited for children ages 3-7