Presented in partnership with GapKids
Photo: Tony Lanz, illustration: Stephanie Han Kim
?Listen to my words.? It?s a phrase parents use all the time. But what are we really saying" When it comes to raising confident girls, we may be giving them contradictory messages. We want them to be leaders but criticize them for being bossy. We build their self-esteem and then undercut the message by talking about how fat, forgetful or stupid we are.
What we say and do can inadvertently reinforce the very gender stereotypes we are so keen to dismantle. ?Our words and actions have a powerful impact on our children,? says Vancouver therapist Michele Kambolis. So what should we say to bolster girls? confidence, teach them responsibility and encourage them to follow their dreams?while also helping them learn from their mistakes and instilling a good work ethic" (Parenting really is one of the toughest management jobs out there.) Here are eight rules for nurturing the next generation of leaders. Rule #1: Let her play

Don?t get hung up on what your daughter wants to play, whether it?s princesses or highway patrol. While we may view one as traditionally female and another as male, to little kids, it?s all the same, so there?s no need to categorize. Just encourage her to pursue her own passions.
Christina Grant, an elementary school teacher, avoids classifying her seven-year-old daughter?s interests?which range from fairies to Greek gods?as being girlie or boyish. (Now if only to...