Ban Bossy: Is it Okay for Girls to Be Bossy?
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My daughter, who’s a leader in her own way. |
Is it okay for girls to be bossy?
My son was talking to me this morning about what’s going on in his classroom. I was listening while trying to make breakfast and pack lunches, so he only had half of my attention until he said:
“[Girl Student] is so bossy.”
I looked up in surprise, and asked him to repeat himself.
“[Girl Student] is so bossy. The teacher asks for helpers and [Girl Student] raises her hand to do it. But Mom, she never waits to be called on. She just gets up out of her seat and takes all of the jobs.”
I had to think a minute before I responded. The first thing that popped into my head was this new initiative called “Ban Bossy” which is aimed at empowering girls to want to become leaders and not to fear being considered disliked by peers for being ‘bossy’.
Have you heard of this yet? This campaign, started by Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook and supported by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the head of the Girl Scouts Ana Maria Chavez, Beyonce, and many more celebrities, politicians, and parents, is trying to get the word out that girls can be leaders just like boys. They are bringing to light the downward trend of little girls and adolescent girls who try not to be leaders so that they will be liked by their peers instead of showing leadership qualities and achievements equal to that of boys their age.
Out of curiosity, I looked up the definition of ‘bossy’. I found:
- given to ordering people about
- domineering
- overly authoritative
- dictational
- overbearing
- abrasive
- Girls focus more on fitting in and can be afraid to speak up for what they need or want.
- Girls are less likely to do ‘man chores’ at home, like mowing the lawn.
- Girls are more likely to ‘apologize’ before they speak.
- Girls are called on less in class.
- There are some cultural expectations that girls are supposed to be quiet and generous at their own expense.
- In groups, girls are more likely to do most of the work to pick up any slack from other students.

maye says
very pretty sure his mom looks very handsome congratulations on your big little man!
Marissa McKenna says
If you’re referring to the picture, that’s actually my daughter, lol! Perhaps I should caption that picture… But thanks, anyway!
Clara King says
I think all children should use the correct language at the correct times. It starts at home. I grew up doing everything a boy could do and have raised my children that girls are not inferior.
Marissa McKenna says
It certainly does start at home. Great job being a good example to your kids!