Dads who refuse to do anything that is traditionally considered “feminine” with their daughters are lame dads. I’ve been in the store and overheard a dad tell his little girl who might have been 12 to go by herself to go get pads after she asked him to go with her. “Go get them yourself.” and he looked mortified she even asked him to go. Like dude she clearly looks like she needs help. Take her to the god damn tampon/pad section and help her and if you don’t know what she needs go ask some one in their pharmacy to point out a good choice for you. Tampons and pads are part of pharmacy so chances are they will be able to help. Fuck all that. Help your daughters! They ask you to paint their nails, do it. It might turn out messy but so what? They ask you to have a tea party, do it. Sure the tea might be imaginary or just water and served out of tiny pink cups but get over it.
This. Also, don’t be afraid to teach your daughters “manly” things. You’re building something and she asks what you’re doing? Tell her. Teach her how to use that drill and do it right. Going hunting and she wants to come? Bring her along. She likes auto shop? Take her out to the garage. Even if she doesn’t, teach her how to do a basic oil change, how to change a tire. Teach her how to do things for herself and that she is fully capable of doing it. Don’t divide your kids into gender roles, see them as people.
This is all very valid but I’m just laughing at the very idea of my dad using a drill or changing a tyre. My father had the utmost scorn for pretty much every manly thing going lol – his favourite game to play was hairdresser, he loved to cook, and his dearest wish was to go on a spa day. He hated DIY and cars and driving and sport – he’d be so disappointed in me for going to races and cricket matches, though I do kind of think he’d appreciate the wrestling. (My mum, conversely, loves cars and tennis and cricket and never wears make up or shaves her legs [though she does love shopping].)
It wasn’t something that was talked about overtly, it was just taken for granted, and I actually think that my parents’ complete lack of attention to gender stereotypes was one of the most important cornerstones of my upbringing tbh.
suchasinistergame 