Pippi Longstocking

Did you read Pippi Longstockings when you were little? 
What do you remember about it?
 
Here's my recollection. Pippi had bright red hair woven in pigtails that stuck out on either side of her head. She had a pet monkey, a dad that was trapped on an island somewhere and she was unbelievable strong. 
 
So strong that she could handle bullies and bad guys without losing her smile. She engaged them in games and you were never quite sure if Pippi actually realized that these were bad guys or if she was so confident that it really didn't matter. 
 
Now think about the shows and movies we watch today. A girl is trapped in a dark house and some bad guy is trying to get in. She is terrified. Powerless. 
 
Is that how I want my daughter to feel? 
Afraid?
Weak?
 
I believe that our world is getting more complex and more frightening. So it's time to empower our children with strength and confidence so they are equipped for what the future holds. That doesn't mean allowing your kid to walk alone down a dark alley by themselves. But is does mean pushing them to do something that makes them uncomfortable...and allowing them to succeed or fail.
 
Read Pippi Longstocking. Giggle. 
 
"He's the strongest man in the world."
"Man, yes," said Pippi, "but I am the strongest girl in the world, remember that."