For the most part, I'm pretty tuned into my kids. I can look at them and tell they have a fever. When they are acting out, I can usually figure out what the underlying issue is. When they are hungry, I can tell by the way they are acting. Most mom's have these skills.
I recently realized that I lacked the ability to push my kids away from gender stereotypes. Swift and quick intervention is required.
The process behind deciding which camps to put Abby in this summer was drawn out, laborious and likely over thought. This is my approach to most things (ranging from birthday party themes to searching for recipes, you name it).
Abby is attending the following camps, she has already attended 1-3:
1.) Gymnastics Camp
2.) Nueva Camp (very cool and progressive camp at a local private school, her two sessions were Art and Circus )
3.) Galileo Camp (the theme was Amusement Park and the day is broken into art, science and outdoor activities)
4.) Girl Scout Camp
Her favorite camp so far has been Galileo. When I asked her why she told me "because we get to do science and I love learning".
My heart sank. It sank far.
I focused her camp sessions on girly things. Art, Circus performance and gymnastics. I assumed the Galileo camp was going to be fun for her, but thought she might not like the science part. It NEVER occurred to me that she would like the science twist to Camp Galileo. Shame on me!!
I am a Director of Finance and I work in an organization that builds the eCommerce websites. In many instances I'm one of the few, or sometimes the only woman in the room during meetings.
Why the hell would I perpetuate this trend/stereotype and not encourage my daughters to learn something other than gymnastics, art and performances? Why would I not want them to be the only female in the room during meetings?
Abby has a week off from camp this week. This past weekend I scoured the web to find science related projects she might enjoy.
It's going to take me a while to get over this.
No comments:
Post a Comment