Forget Princesses, Raise Warriors
By Sheena Low
Forget the docile princess trope. Thank goodness today's Disney heroines are more Moana than Sleeping Beauty, more Elsa than Cinderella! Who hasn't belted out "Let It Go" and felt that surge of empowerment, that permission to cast off expectations and embrace your true, imperfect self? This International Women's Day, I'm raising a toast to the mothers who are raising empowered daughters, the ones who are equipping their girls with the courage to question, to explore, and to forge their own paths. Navigating the complexities of motherhood, I'm drawing on my own experiences to share the lessons I'm passing on to my daughter—the tools she needs to not just survive but thrive in a world brimming with possibilities that didn't exist before.
Community
My childhood was a chaotic symphony of Friday night dinners with my boisterous Chinese family. We celebrated everything—birthdays, Chinese New Year, even the most obscure anniversaries. These gatherings weren't about pristine tablecloths; they were about raucous laughter, fierce loyalty, and the kind of love that holds you up when the world tries to knock you down.
Why it matters
Forget the fairytale. Life throws curveballs. Heartbreak, setbacks, moments when you feel utterly lost. A strong community, your own chosen tribe, is the anchor that keeps you grounded, the safety net that allows you to take risks, to stumble and rise again, knowing you have a soft place to land.
How to cultivate it
Head to a bustling local playground like Lumpini Park. Let your kids get messy, negotiate the swings, and forge their own friendships. True, being kids these friendships might not be as deep as your own, but it lays the seedlings of valuing community and knowing how to cultivate it. You might even find your own tribe among the parents on the sidelines.
Invest in connection by seeking out playgroups and activity classes designed for young children. These spaces offer a fertile ground for friendships to blossom and a sense of belonging to take root.
Education
My mother was no damsel in distress. She was lucky to be educated. It fueled her career, granted her financial independence, and ultimately, gave her the choice to walk away from a marriage that no longer served her. Education was her escape hatch, her ticket to freedom.
I want my daughter to inherit that same fire, that unquenchable thirst for knowledge. We turn learning into an adventure—museums become playgrounds, books become portals to other worlds, and questions are a celebration of curiosity.
Why it matters
Education isn't about grades or gold stars. It's about equipping your daughter with the tools to dismantle limitations, to carve her own path, and to rewrite her story if she needs to. It's the key that unlocks a world of possibilities and gives her the power to choose her own destiny.
How to cultivate it
Forget the flashcards. Head to Neilson Hays Library, a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. Or lose yourselves in the wonders of the Children's Discovery Museum, where learning is an adventure.
Open up new worlds by investing in a bilingual preschool or kindergarten program. Let her mind blossom with the magic of multiple languages, opening doors to different cultures and ways of thinking.
Growth mindset
Forget perfection. My classrooms weren't filled with straight-As and gold stars. They were messy, filled with questions, experiments, and the glorious freedom to fail. My teachers championed curiosity, not conformity. They taught me that intelligence isn't a fixed trait; it's a muscle that grows stronger with every challenge, every stumble, every aha moment.
That's the magic I want to weave into my daughter's life. We embrace the messy middle, the fumbles and frustrations that pave the way to mastery. Whether she's conquering a piano piece, mastering a martial arts move, or simply learning to ride a bike, it's the journey, not just the destination, that matters.
Why it matters
A growth mindset is armor for the soul. It's the belief that you can learn, adapt, and evolve, no matter the obstacles. It's the key to resilience, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in your own potential.
How to cultivate it
Let your child unleash their inner Picasso with finger paints. Embrace the chaos, the vibrant mess that is the birthplace of creativity and a "can-do" spirit.
Enroll your child in a creative movement or music class. Let them express themselves through dance, discover the joy of rhythm, and learn that the most beautiful melodies often emerge from a series of off-key notes.
Simplicity
My most profound lesson in happiness unfolded unexpectedly amid the breathtaking peaks of the Himalayas. As a young and impressionable girl trekking through a remote village, I encountered families who possessed little in the way of material wealth yet radiated a joy that was both humbling and inspiring. Their laughter echoed through the mountains, their smiles were offered freely to passing trekkers like me, and their contentment seemed to stem from the simple act of sharing a meal or a moment of connection. It was a powerful reminder that happiness isn't found in possessions but in the richness of experience and the warmth of human connection.
That's the kind of joy I want to cultivate in my daughter's life. The kind that isn't dependent on fleeting trends or material possessions but on the richness of experience, the beauty of the natural world, and the deep connections we forge with others.
Why it matters
In a world obsessed with "more", it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Teaching our daughters to find joy in simplicity is an act of rebellion against the consumerist culture that tries to define us. It's about cultivating contentment, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.
How to cultivate it
Escape the urban jungle and lose yourselves in the embrace of nature. Wander through Benjasiri Park, explore the hidden trails of Chatuchak Park, or simply sit under a tree and listen to the birdsong.
Plan a family adventure to a national park. Let the tranquility of nature wash over you as you hike through lush forests, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and reconnect with the simple rhythm of the earth.
Empathy
My childhood was a kaleidoscope of encounters with people from all walks of life. But it was in the dimly lit corners of casinos, amid the clatter of chips and the whirring of slot machines, that I learned one of life's most profound lessons.
There, I befriended women who defied easy categorization. They were sex workers, yes, but to my surprise they were also mothers, daughters, and sisters, navigating complex circumstances with remarkable strength and resilience. Many of them were sent to work as sex workers because a day of work equated to a year of work back in their poor home town. They taught me that every person carries a story, a universe of experiences that shapes their choices. They taught me to look beyond the surface, to challenge my own assumptions, and to approach others with empathy not judgment.
Why it matters
Empathy is the bridge that connects us, the key to understanding and compassion. In a world that's quick to judge and categorize, it's a radical act to teach our daughters to see beyond the surface, to recognize the shared humanity that binds us all.
How to cultivate it
Open her eyes to the world by filling your home with stories that celebrate diversity. Read books and watch movies that portray characters from different backgrounds, with different abilities, and different family structures. Spark conversations about characters’ experiences, encouraging your daughter to see the world through their eyes.
Take your daughter on a cultural adventure. Explore the Jim Thompson House, immerse yourselves in the vibrant art scene at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, or wander through the bustling stalls of a local market. These experiences offer a glimpse into different ways of life, fostering understanding and appreciation for diversity.
Resilience
Forget the fairytale endings. Life is messy, unpredictable, and often downright unfair. My parents, migrants who braved a new world with nothing but their resilience, taught me that. They faced countless obstacles, yet they never gave up. Their unwavering spirit became my inheritance, a guiding light through my own turbulent childhood and the challenges of building my own business.
Resilience is the gift I want to pass on to my daughter. It's the knowledge that she has the strength to weather any storm, to rise from every fall with renewed determination.
Why it matters
Resilience is the life raft that keeps us afloat when the waves crash around us. It's the ability to bounce back from setbacks, to learn from our mistakes, and to keep moving forward, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
How to cultivate it
Let your child build a tower of blocks then watch it tumble. Encourage them to build it again, higher and stronger. This simple act teaches them that setbacks are inevitable, but they are also opportunities to learn and grow.
Enroll your child in a martial arts class or a gymnastics program. These activities push physical and mental boundaries, teaching them discipline, focus, and the unwavering spirit to get back up, even when they fall.
Adventure
From a young age, I felt the pull of the unknown, the irresistible urge to explore uncharted territory. My adventures have led me to encounter extraordinary people, to witness breathtaking landscapes, and to challenge my own preconceived notions.
This is the legacy I want to leave my daughter—a thirst for adventure, a curiosity that knows no bounds. I want her to explore hidden corners, to embrace new experiences, and to see the world as her playground.
Why it matters
Adventure isn't just about ticking off destinations on a map. It's about cultivating a spirit of curiosity, a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, and an open-mindedness that embraces the unknown. It's about discovering the world and, in the process, discovering yourself.
How to cultivate it
Create a treasure hunt with clues leading to hidden gems in your area. Explore the vibrant temples that dot Bangkok's landscape, each one a gateway to ancient stories and traditions.
Pack your bags and embark on a family adventure to a different part of Thailand, like Chiang Mai or the beaches of the south. Explore a new city, visit a national park, or experience a different cultural festival.
Raising empowered daughters is about nurturing their inner fire, that spark of individuality that makes them uniquely themselves. It's about equipping them with the tools to navigate a world brimming with possibilities, to embrace their strengths, and to create their own definitions of success. It's about fostering a love of learning, a spirit of adventure, and an unwavering belief in their own potential that will help them conquer the obstacles that will undoubtedly come their way.
About the Author
Sheena is a mother to three-year-old August, runs Super Fly Honey, a brand that makes technical activewear for pole dancers around the world, and dreams about writing children’s books. After three years with a lot of yoga, deep friendships, purposeful retreats and IFS therapy, she realizes that becoming a mother is actually a superpower.