The Teens are noticing the disparity, and the girls are not happy...

One of my kiddo kids this weekend said
"Can I tell you one of my minor irks with Church?  The girls are always told to plan for marriage and babies and how to have a loving home, but the boys are taught to be successful, plan for success, get good jobs and be like Nephi"
"Honey, I've always thought of you more as a Nephi than Sariah"
"That means a lot to me, Mum, it really does".


Now, I have a girl-Nephi on my hands.
She rocks.
She is funny, intelligent, witty, serious, thoughtful, gentle, sporty with boy sports, she plans back up plans for her back up plans, she does not lose gracefully. 


She knows that it shocks people to see her truly be herself, so she protects you folks from all of that until you are ready, did you know that?  She's done that since she was 18 months old and saw the adults clutch their chest in wonder and exclaim to one another in astonishment as she discussed ideas and situations using full, fully understandable sentences.


She, in a loving way, is being told to prepare to give up "outside the home" ideas of success and make room for her male counterparts.
I do not see this ending well.


If you believe in a Loving Heavenly Father, who knew us from before the foundation of the world, he knew that Kiddo was formidable, he knew that her intelligence was second to very few on this planet, he knew that she had the fire of ambition in her belly.  Her personality, drive and determination were part of her from the day she was born.


Cookie-Cutter stereotypes are the less effective method of inspiring all of the daughters of Zion to reach their fullest potential.  It is stifling, uninspiring, and already she is facing opposition from within the Church from not so well meaning adults who think she should reign it in, all this competence and ambition.  Some folks get it, and help her reach her own goals and own potential.  If she choses to be a stay at home mum, more power to her elbow, I'll support her wholeheartedly because it is her choice and she has the Agency to do just that.


Here's my response to those who think they know what is best for her ....
Help, or move out of the way and be quiet.