A Mighty Girl
"I'm the head coach of a basketball team comprised of kindergarten and 1st grade girls called the HERricanes. Of course I teach them about the rules and fundamentals of the game, and ensure that they're always having fun — but I know that I have a much more important role than that.
Before every practice, we sit in a circle and I ask each girl one simple question: 'What did you do this week that made you happy?' I'll accept any answer except for 'nothing' or 'I don't know.'
Why do I do this?
Because in a world filled with misogyny, I want my team to know that there are men outside of their families who care about them, value them, and will listen to them. I want them to know that their feelings matter and that *they* matter. After each brief meeting, I can see how happy the girls are. It serves as a simple reminder of how important each of them are, and it sets the tone for practice — and for their futures.
Yes we have a way to go, but I know something for sure: We can't achieve gender equality without men stepping up to help women and girls. I'm more than happy and willing to do my part." -- Doyin Richards
Doyin Richards, who runs the blog Daddy Doin' Work, has published a picture book celebrating fatherhood: "I Wonder: Celebrating Daddies Doin' Work" at https://www.amightygirl.com/celebrating-daddies-doin-work
For several excellent books to let the girls in your life know what they say matters, we highly recommend "Raise Your Hand" for ages 4 to 8 (https://www.amightygirl.com/raise-your-hand), "A Smart Girl’s Guide to Knowing What to Say" for ages 9 to 12 (https://www.amightygirl.com/a-smart-girl-s-guide-to-knowing-what-to-say) and "Express Yourself: A Teen Girl's Guide to Speaking Up and Being Who You Are" for ages 12 and up (https://www.amightygirl.com/express-yourself-guide)
For books celebrating the special bond between dads and their Mighty Girls that are perfect for sharing on Father's Day, visit our blog post: "A Father's Love: 30 Books About Dads & Daughters" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=11474
And, for a fantastic t-shirt for kids and adults that honors the strength of Mighty Girls, check out the “I'm not strong for a girl. I'm just strong.” t-shirt at https://www.amightygirl.com/strong-t-shirt ... See more
