31 Days of femininity: Being feminine towards your children

Photo Credit

Do you consider yourself feminine towards your children? This isn't something I stop and think about very often. I strive to be feminine towards my husband and towards other people, but my children?

I considered the reasons why I would want to show femininity towards my children, and here are a few I came up with.

1. To model being a woman. Of course that seems obvious, but I mean a true lady. I want to give my boys a clear vision of what a woman content to be a female looks like, and model that as an example for my daughters.

2. To teach my boys that they are to be caring, considerate, and helpful towards women in general. If I walk around with a rough and tough attitude all the time, how they will ever learn that women are different than men or that they (wonders of all wonders) actually need and, in their better moments, appreciate their help. Many women today are fond of boasting about their independence from men and how unnecessary a man's help is to them (I'll open the door for myself, thank-you!). Well, in my house I let my boys open the door for me, not because I am incapable, but because it helps to instill nobility in my sons. It serves as yet another reminder that they should provide for, protect, and prefer women before themselves in even the little things.

3. To train my daughters that it's not a sign of weakness to be feminine. That they don't have to fall for the world's examples of what a lady looks like. Femininity always seems to summon the word "weakness" in most women's minds, but it doesn't have to be that way. You can be feminine and yet not fall apart emotionally at the first hint of trouble that comes across your path. 

In our family we do set some clear defined paths. Certain things are "girly" in our house, (such as dolls) but the boys are still welcome to play with their sisters if they want-and they do! Other things are clearly "boy" toys, such as their toy guns, but their younger sister can be found with a toy gun in her hand traipsing after her brothers during a pioneer adventure. More often than not though she is found with a doll or stroller following them. 

I am quick to tell my sons that I can't lift a certain heavy item, I'm waiting for papa to get home so he can help me. Now that my oldest son is getting stronger, he has started helping me move heavy items, etc. and is a huge help! I know it makes him feel good to know that he is strong enough to help his mama! 

These are a few ways I try to pass on femininity towards my children. What are some practical ways you try to display to your children the differences between masculinity and femininity? I'd love to hear!