What Is Special About The GIRL CHILD?

THE GIRL CHILD WHO BECOMES A WIFE AND MOTHER CAN PASS ON HER IDEAS TO HER HUSBAND AND CHILDREN. BUT FIRST, SHE MUST BE HAPPY AND COMFORTABLE IN HER ROLE AS A WIFE AND MOTHER!

The Girl Child represents one half of humanity and most of them will end up as wives and mothers. Even an individual Girl Child who is not a wife or mother can contribute to improving the life of the community. She can be a singer or dancer or have some other talent. She can even be a role model as a typical feminine personality embodying a quiet strength. Usually, the problem lies with the expectation of a boy and not a girl child. There is hope for a son and heir and a baby girl is often unwanted. In Sri Lanka however, there is also the thinking that a first child who is a girl brings ‘siriyava' (lucky charm) to the family. So the arrival of a Girl Child can be received with mixed feelings on the part of the father and mother. Those caring for the new baby girl may also transfer their own ideas onto the child starting with dressing the baby in pink and other colours usually associated with girls. The caregiver may also tie the baby's hair with pink ribbons. When the baby is a little older the ears may be pierced and earrings put on to signify femininity. Even the poor somehow find the means to buy earrings and put them on the little girl. Babycare of a little girl or a little boy is the same although stereotypes are passed on such as the idea that a boy is more demanding when it comes to feeding. Once again, it is the preconceived idea that mothers give dolls as toys to a girl child to encourage her to nurture others, including a younger brother or sister. She will also ‘Play House' imitating the mother and pretend to cook and clean. Toy saucepans and tea sets also mean that the girl child will be happy playing. Aggressive toys such as guns and even dinky toys such as cars are given to a boy and he is encouraged to play and fight and race. The little girl attains Menarche and the womenfolk usually tell her to beware of boys without telling the simple truth that now she can have a baby if she has sex. The girl is protected and the mother and father don't let her go anywhere alone. If only girls and even boys are given Sex Education so that they will know how to conduct themselves if they are in an intimate situation, there won't be an Unwanted Pregnancy. The instance of Rape and Abuse will also be less if boys are taught to respect girls and their bodies. The Girl Child who becomes a wife and mother can pass on her ideas to her husband and children. But first, she must be happy and comfortable in her role as a wife and mother!