Chelsea Clinton said last night that her mother is her hero. My guess is that hearing those words last night meant more to Hillary than the roar of the crowd at the Democratic National Convention - a lot more.

So what did Hillary Clinton do to win such high praise from her daughter?

• She stayed strong and principled. She showed her daughter that she was not willing to back down on the issues that matter to her.
• She set her sights high. She didn’t apologize for her ambition, demonstrating to her daughter that women should not hide their talents, skills and experience.
• She claimed credit for her contributions. Eighteen million cracks in the glass ceiling is no small feat; Hillary made history and modeled for her daughter that women must be unafraid to take credit for their accomplishments.

I hope I’ve been able to teach my daughter those things as well. What lessons do you think are most important to teach your daughters, nieces or the women you mentor?

TAGS: mentoring, Raising Girls, women role models

One thing I never did when raising my daughter was to help her to test whether or not she had the entrepreneurial personality.  Now Girl’s Inc. has a program whose purpose is just that - read about it on BusinessWeek’s small business blog.

TAGS: girls and money, Raising Girls

“Sex and the City” made its debut last week (no doubt you heard about it!) but “what’s your point, honey? ” also opened.  Yes, the crowd admittedly was smaller but no less enthusiastic.

The independent film, written, directed and produced byAmy Sewell and Susan Toffler is insightful, powerful and funny.  It tells the stories of seven young women who were selected by CosmoGirl magazine as possible candidates for the White House in 2024 - the contest was designed to create more interest in politics among young women.  These young women are diverse and engaging; they are candid about their personal lives and professional aspirations and I don’t think you can watch the movie without liking each and every one of them. 

Adding to the movie’s charm are the hard hitting “documentary” style questions posed by three younger girls, for example, “Why don’t we have a woman in the White House?” and, “Would you vote for a qualified woman?”

Not surprisingly, Sewell and Toffler weren’t able to secure big studio money to back the film - F-word movies (”feminist” that is) don’t do well, Sewell was told.. So their plan is to distribute the film via DVD (available via their website) and encourage people to invite guests to watch with them. 

As far as I’m concerned, either before or after your girls’ field trip to see “Sex and the City”, stay home with your friends to watch the feel good movie of the year.  The shoes won’t be as fashionista but the ideas will definitely get you talking!

TAGS: Cultural diversity, dealing with family expectations, look and sound of leadership, Political debates, Politics, Raising Girls, Self-trust, women, women role models

Hannah from Australia

A reader from Australia sent this picture of her daughter, Hannah.  She says she cannot get Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich out of Hannah’s hands (despite the fact that Hannah can’t yet read).  Well I say, you can never start them too young learning about money and leading. 

I’m often asked what parents can do to raise self-confident daughters.  Besides putting a copy of my books in her hands before the age of three, here are more practical tips to consider:

1.  Read Nurture by Nature.  Based on the Myers Briggs personality profiles, it will help you to understand the basic nature of your child and allow you to nurture it.  The authors believe that self-confidence comes from being allowed to follow your true nature.

2.  Give your daughters an allowance from an early age.  Even if it’s only a small amount, teach your daughters the importance of money and how to save, invest, and spend it.  While you’re at it, teach them that when it’s gone, it’s gone.  No mid-week advances that are later forgiven. That’s not the real world.

3.  Enroll your daughter in individual and team sports.  It can be a sport of her choice, but it’s important to learn how to compete to win and how to be a member of a team. 

4.  Consider an all girls school.  Studies show that girls who graduate from same-sex schools are more confident and more likely to be future leaders than those who attend co-ed schools. 

5.  Sign your daughter up for a self-defense class.  Not only will she be able to physically protect herself, but the lessons learned will translate into confidence in other arenas too. 

TAGS: girls and money, girls and same sex schools, girls and sports, Raising Girls, self-defense