I had the thrilling opportunity to watch the World Cup Final at the Soweto Fan Park in South Africa on Monday. Yes, the vuvuzela howls are deafening, but I still cheered alongside 10,000 South Africans as Spain kicked in the winning goal against the Netherlands (my friend Robin from San Fransisco was rooting for the Netherlands — see photo).

It is not that I – or my South African hosts – are huge Spanish soccer fans. In fact, most of the South Africans I spoke with had little knowledge of the individual teams, but agreed that World Cup fever had swept their country. Everywhere you look, soccer images line the streets. From soda cans to billboards, you cannot escape FIFA’s domination.

Certainly, the World Cup has brought together a divided nation and given the rest of the globe a fresh lens through which to view what I am finding to be an inspiring country.

But one thing has struck me: This lens – and FIFA in particular — has filtered out and excluded (sometimes ridiculously so) the female athletic experience. This was an opportunity for all athletes to celebrate this sport. But we only saw half the picture.

Nowhere in the city do you see ads with little girls playing soccer and nowhere do you hear the voice of a female commentator. Does FIFA mean to suggest that the World Cup only inspires little boys? Are the sports networks telling us no women are qualified to provide commentary or reportage?

And in what would be a natural plug for it’s next major event, FIFA was stunningly silent about the fact that next year’s Women’s World Cup is in Germany. Disturbingly, the only fact my South African and American peers could recall about the Women’s World Cup when I asked them was “that one time that women took her shirt off.”

Do we need a woman in a sports bra – Brandi Chastain – to bring attention to women’s soccer? Without engaging yet another debate on sexy athletes, let’s instead pose the fair question: Is the World Cup truly a celebration of the beautiful game – or just the celebration of men who play it?

Rachael roots for Spain while her friend Robin (obviously) pulls for Netherlands

World Cup crowds on Monday night

Summer means days lounging at the pool and beach or in a hammock under a shady tree — and, of course, reading. You may have a list to tackle with kids, or want some light, “enlightening” reading for yourself. Here are some non-traditional books you might not have heard of (and most likely won’t see on a summer reading list). I assure you, these books will be enjoyed equally by children and adults. Read on for highlights plus a full list of books and resources for feminist and historical literature. And — please comment with any suggestions of your own. I am always adding to my list!

Highlights: Did you know the song, “Take me Out to the Ballgame” was written about a girl? In Players in Pigtails (Shana Corey) you can read about Katie Casey, a girl who loved to play baseball even though it wasn’t considered very “lady-like.” She was one of the first girls to cross the gender line and play in the women’s professional league in 1940. “Outrageous!” thought most people. “Girls don’t like sports.” “What good is baseball to a girl?” read newspaper headlines. Find out how these talented young ladies wowed everyone with their talent (after the campaign to convince the country just how ladylike baseball could be!) and how the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League saved the country’s favorite pastime.

Amelia Bloomer thought it was silly that women couldn’t work so she started her own newspaper, “The Lily” and wrote about women’s rights. She also thought it was silly that women had to wear cumbersome, impractical hoop skirts. Amelia borrowed a pattern for bloomers and soon sported this “brilliant” and very liberating style. Read about what else transpired in You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer!” (Also written by Shana Corey).

If you are tired of the traditional fairytale, featuring a helpless princess who needs to be saved by a prince, you will appreciate The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch. After a dragon burns down the kingdom and carries Prince Ronald away, Princess Elizabeth uses her wit to outsmart the dragon. When she arrives to rescue the prince from the dragon’s cave, an ungrateful Ronald criticizes her appearance saying, “Your clothes are dirty and your hair is a mess. Come back when you look like a real princess.” You will be inspired by the ending and girls will be empowered to be the hero of their own story. This is one book I give as a gift to every girl—and boy!

Children’s Literature (featuring strong female characters):

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

Princess Smartypants by Babette Cole

Elena’s Serenade by Campbell Geeslin

Waynetta and the Cornstalk by Helen Ketteman

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

Maisy Books by Lucy Cousins

Madeline Books by Ludwig Bemelmans

Don’t Bet on the Prince (re-written fairytales) by Jack David Zipes

Jane and the Dragon (Series) by Martin Baynton

My Name is not Isabella by Jennifer Fosberry

The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funke

The Night Pirates by Peter Harris and Deborah Allright

Three Wise Women By Mary Hoffmam and Lynn Russell

Books About Women in History:

Tonya Bolden: 33 things every girl should know about women’s history

Pam Munoz Ryan and Brian Selznick: Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride

Shana Corey: You Forgot Your Skirt Ameila Bloomer and Players in Pigtails

Jacob Lawrence: Harriet and the Promised Land

Robert Coles: The Story of Ruby Bridges

Gender and Teaching/Raising children:

Myra and David Sadker: Failing at Fairness: How America’s Schools Cheat Girls

Leonard Sax: Why Gender Matters: What Parents and Teachers Need to know about the Emerging Science of Sex Differences

Peggy Orenstein: School Girls: Young Women, Self-Esteem and the Confidence Gap

JoAnn Deak: Raising Confident and Courageous Girls

Steve Biddulph: Raising Boys

Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson: Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of boys

O.K. Dad’s, what can you do to insure that you are raising strong, fair-minded children? I just recently re-read the book “Raising Boys” and it occurred to me just how important a father is in raising children—NOT that I didn’t think Dads were important before. But it absolutely reinforced the critical role you fulfill in shaping the development of your kids. Here are some things to keep in mind as you raise your “mini-me’s”:

1.      Spend time ENGAGING with your kids; don’t just watch TV with them or watch them play. Talk to your sons and daughters; ask questions; demonstrate interest in them (and stop checking your Blackberry!).

2.      Regarding the preceding suggestion, it is especially important to show interest in your daughters. The engagement and interaction you demonstrate will make her feel valued and build her confidence. Furthermore, your relationship with your daughter will serve as an example; it will establish standards by which she will measure her future male relationships. Now that’s important!

3.       As for your sons (and of course daughters too): allow them to develop an emotional side. Don’t ever diminish their feelings or constantly insist they be tough. There is a time for both girls and boys to be encouraged to be “tough.” However, learning to express and communicate feelings is vital to emotional health and can be particularly difficult for boys.

4.       Play sports with your daughters as well as your sons! Girls need to develop athletic skills early. Your encouragement will send the message that sport are important for girls, too.

5.      Take both daughters and sons to see women’s sporting events. I can’t help but mention this again. Attending sporting events is a fun way to spend time with Dad. Broadening the gender lines lets your biggest fans know that women’s sports are important enough for you to watch!

6.        Avoid perpetuating stereotypes. Girls do not have to be dainty and delicate; they might not like to be called “Princess” (you do want them to be the hero of their own story, right?) And boys can play dress-up or in the kitchen and cuddle.

Why do Latina youth participate in sports less than other girls? How does their Hispanic culture impact decisions to play (or not)? What can we do to change that?

As part of a senior high school project, over the last few weeks I conducted detailed, structured interviews with 30 Latina youth about the role of sports in their lives. Although many said their families watched and played sports, athletics were mostly viewed as a diversion – not serious pursuits. Some girls said their families preferred they be at home or at a job – doing “practical” tasks – instead of playing sports.

“I feel that a big part of the reason a lot of Hispanic girls don’t do sports is because of their families,” said one 14-year-old from Boston’s South End. “They might not be encouraged in their homes. I don’t think it [sports participation] is valued in Hispanic culture for girls, it’s not seen as important. It’s not ‘normal’ for girls, so why would they do it?”

This negative family view – along with the lack of female Hispanic athletes in the media (not one of the 30 could name a Latina athlete) – made these girls feel that sports weren’t for them.  According to the NCAA, Hispanic females make up just 3.9 percent of college athletes (Hispanics are more than 8 percent of college enrollments). A U.S. Department of education survey also showed Hispanic girls had the lowest rate of sports participation of any of their peers.

So how can sports and youth organizations reach out to Hispanic girls? Here are four recommendations based on my research (a full paper with detailed findings is available by e-mailing Minda.Monteagudo@gmail.com).

1. Give Latina youth role models.

Powerful women are more prominent in society than ever, but few are Hispanic. Girls could not name a single female Hispanic athlete, but were keenly aware of demeaning stereotypes about Latinas. Stories of Latina athletes such as recently retired Mexican golfer Lorena Ochoa should be widely shared to empower and encourage girls.

2.  Offer girls a variety of opportunities.

Organized competitive sports are only one facet of physical activity. Many girls who do not play sports enjoy physical activity, but not necessarily competitive team sports. Offering activities such as yoga and jogging can encourage girls to get involved (the first step!).

3. Create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

Many girls who reported not enjoying sports stated that since they did not start playing at a young age (like some of their peers), they believed that by middle and high school it was too late for them to begin. As if their inexperience with sport wasn’t enough, the stress of teams with cuts keeps girl from participating. Offer teams for a variety of experience levels to foster a supportive atmosphere for them to explore and grow.

4. Appeal to their families.

A key to getting more Latina youth involved in sport is to educate parents about the benefits of physical activity and sport participation. Many girls said their families were unaware of the physical, emotional and long-term benefits. If parents knew the good that can come from sports, they would be more supportive of their daughters’ athletic endeavors.

“Being Latina is like having two strikes against you,” said one 13-year-old form Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood. “Not only are you a girl, but you’re also Latina. At least one of those is going to be used against you.”

Minda Monteagudo will graduate next week from The Winsor School in Boston. She will attend the University of Southern California in the fall where she will study Environmental Studies and Kinesiology. In high school, she was a coxswain on varsity crew and enjoys yoga in her free time. She is of Guatemalan descent.

By Lindsay Rico

After speaking with Urvasi Naidoo about the sport of Netball, only one thing occurred to me: Lebron James could never play this game. Naidoo is the CEO of the IFNA , International Federation of Netball Association, (check out her blog here) and gave me the rundown on Netball as a team sport in its purest form — and as a sport she has used to inspire young girls in India. The balance, agility, and teamwork required to play Netball are skills that Naidoo believes are key in encouraging girls build confidence and realize their potential. And it’s catching on in the U.S., too.

FGN: First of all, what exactly is Netball? How does it work?

UN: Netball is a team sport played by women. It’s essentially similar to basketball: there are two posts and one ball the object of the game is to score the most points by putting the most balls in each hole. There is a substantial difference in rules however. The main rule is that you are not allowed to move with the ball. You must pass it to your teammates and make that pass within three seconds. You are allowed to block on defense, but unlike basketball it is a non contact sport. There is a lot of quick thinking and strategy involved.

FGN: Is it a fast growing sport?

UN: Yes, absolutely. We are finding that it’s not just a commonwealth sport but that its expanding into other countries as well. It’s easily accessible and relatively cheap. You don’t need that much equipment. Just a few girls, a couple of posts and a ball. It’s also a school sport. Every girl has to play netball in school—at least in the commonwealth countries.

FGN: Why do you think Netball is so attractive to women and girls?

UN: It was created especially for women. It’s fun, dynamic and it’s a team game—you can’t have one star. There’s this camaraderie and team spirit that comes into it, which is healthy for girls.

FGN: Is this why Netball is such a good incentive for your program in India?

UN: Yes, the G.O.A.L program, started by the IFNA, targets underprivileged girls and uses Netball to encourage them to transform their lives as well as set and meet their goals. The girls enjoy playing Netball and, yes, it is like an incentive because they play the sport part of the time but the deal is that they also must take time to learn the curriculum that the program mentors have created for them. It’s a fair trade.

Lindsay Rico (R) interviews Urvasi Naidoo (L)

Ahlam Al-Mana, is president of the Women’s Sport Committee in Qatar, which was formed in 2000 and is part of Qatar’s Olympic Committee. Al-Mana, who played handball at Qatar University, earned her degree in physical education. FGN spoke with Al-Mana at the 5^th World Conference on Women & Sport held last weekend in Sydney.

Ahlam Al-Mana

FGN: Has it been hard to recruit girls and women to play sports in Qatar?

AA-M: In the beginning, it was very difficult for us. The culture didn’t allow girls to go out and play sports. We started by using the facilities in the schools because it is very easy to go to parents that way. For example, we say, “Your daughter is talented in the sport and we would like her to join us.” In Qatar [in the beginning] people didn’t know about the importance of sport for women, about the Olympic Games.

FGN: How can you change this?

AA-M: The Asian Games were organized in Qatar in 2006 and there were 11 sports for women. We had 46 players. It was very big. It made a huge change in the mentality of the parents. Now many parents bring their girls to participate. They say, “It is our dream to see our girls playing in the Olympics.”

FGN: Probably the issue that most crosses Westerner’s minds when Muslim women play sports is the matter of dress. Is it possible to compete while respecting religious rules requiring the body to be fully covered?

AA-M: There are now many countries that issue special clothes for the Muslim countries. There are many companies working on special [sport] clothes. We saw Cathy Freeman [she won the 400 meter race in Sydney in 2000 wearing a track suit that covered her head and full body, not for religious reasons but because it was her preference]. She covered all her body. And she won! She won the Gold Medal!

Here is the problem. The rules of FIFA [international governing body of soccer] they stopped the Iranian women’s team from playing one month ago. They had the qualifications, but because they wear a cover they could not play. That is not fair for the Muslim players. They should be able to participate in the World Cup with covering. You can participate if you want to wear shorts. You should be able to participate if you wear long covering. Maybe there is a difference for your results, but it should not be a technical rule. [FIFA has since agreed to an acommodation, allowing players to wear caps that cover their hair].

Olympic Gold Medalist Cathy Freeman

FGN: Will you have many athletes in the 2012 Olympics in London?

AA-M: I hope we will have girls in shooting and fencing. I have a very good shooter who is 14 and a very good fencer who is 16. But there is one thing about our country – we are the beginners in sport. Of course the Olympic Games is a dream for everyone. We have everything – financing, support – everything, but we may miss the qualifications. We have girls that are good but they are not at the level to qualify. I hope the IOC [International Olympic Committee] would give the beginner countries the chance – especially for the women. If girls have the chances to compete, they can be a model for the other ones.

FGN: Because organized sports are so new, how do girls decide which sports to play?

AA-M: We use the results of talent tests. Every year a girl takes a test. They have a special test with many parts. They test how she throws, how she runs, how high she jumps. This is the general test and through this they choose which sport.

FGN: Where do athletes train? Which sports do they participate in?

AA-M: We have three centers [Aspire Academy] and we have 11 or 12 sports. We have handball, volleyball, table tennis, basketball, and football [soccer]. And some others. (See photo of Hissa Darwish and Mayi Al-Mohammadi, who work with talented 11-year-old girls at Aspire Academy).

FGN: Thank you very much.

AA-M: Thank you.

Hissa Darwish and Mayi Al-Mohammadi work with talented 11-year-old girls at Aspire Academy

FGN bloggers interview Rachel Mayanja of the U.N.

By Lindsay Rico and Sarah Odell

It may seem perfectly ordinary — routine, even — to spot girls or women playing soccer, basketball, baseball, softball — or any number of sports. Four women in the Indy 500? Check. But in other parts of the world, girls aren’t always allowed to play. In some places there is little organized physical activity for females. There are no teams, few facilities, poor equiment. And you know what? Complaining about it — or even recruiting women play sports — can be dangerous. (Later this week, you’ll hear from Nasrin Arbabzadeh, the Afghan woman who has lead the struggle against the Taliban to increase women’s access to sport — and who moved abroad after receiving threats).

Sure, sport looks like fun. It is entertainment. But in many places, the quest for access to athletics training, teams, and opportunities is a push for justice and equal status and power. We spoke with Rachel Mayanja, Assistant Secretary- General and Special  Advisor on gender issues and advancement of women  for the United Nations, about the connection between sports and women’s social and political lives. (Read Mayanja’s keynote address here.)

FGN: What do you mean that sports is a human right?

RM: The right to sport is enshrined in a number of human rights. This is a right that is recognized by the collection of member states in the United Nations. Why should it be denied to women? This conference focuses on allowing women to access sports and physical activity. Very often one hears a position that almost suggests that women’s access is a privilege. But it is a human right that must be guaranteed.

FGN: How does that translate into what girls and women should expect?

RM: Everyone has full entitlement to sport. Equipment must be provided. There is also a need to assure that the facilities are safe. Girls should not come to play a game and be harassed by boys and men. There needs to be a safe environment. Otherwise their families will keep them away and discourage this activity. We must ensure that there is respect and safety for women and girls to express themselves through physical activity.

FGN: In some places, clearly, girls and women have trouble getting access. Why does it matter for them to play sports?

RM: Relegating women to activities other than sports is detrimental. Having women become leaders of teams gives them the skills necessary to become leaders in other realms. These women become role models. If you deprive them of these positions you deny the next generation their role models.

FGN: So you are talking about sports partly for the skills women gain by playing. What on-field skills matter most off the field?

RM: Women can acquire team skills, negotiation skills, and an identity within a team—working with instruction and managing to deal with those instructions. It gives a woman the ability to listen and it gives her the respect of others. The fact that the team is dependent on you teaches girls how to be responsible for oneself and others. You are a part of a family and a community. [Also] as a sports person you need to manage your time. [There are] life skills that can be taken beyond the sport: self appreciation, self fulfillment and self satisfaction. You must be self confident. Discover yourself and your potential. In class you cannot do this—it has to happen on the field.

By Katie Culver

We have made loads of progress since the 1950’s, but gender inequities persist — first and foremost in the language we use and stereotypes we parents (even Moms!) often unconsciously perpetuate. In celebration of Mother’s Day, here are simple things we can do to raise our children to be balanced, fair people in sports — and in life:

1.  Insist on inclusive language ALL the time, i.e. “good sports” rather than sportsmanship; say mail carrier, fire fighter, workers—instead of mailman, fireman, workmen; avoid always using “guys.” Do not to always say “he” when gender is not apparent. Language is powerful, and girls as well as boys need to be able to visualize themselves in many different roles.

2. Buy a range of toys for girls and boys. Do not get stuck with toys that are traditionally for girls or boys. Girls love trucks and balls. Boys love kitchens and—yes—dolls. Insure that girls, as well as boys, play in ways that develop coordination and gross motor skills—right from the start. Don’t wait for them to show interest. You can’t be interested in a toy you don’t have! And please, please don’t ever discourage a child from playing with a toy or acting out a role that is not considered gender-appropriate.

3. Dress girls in clothes they can play in—all the time. Just because girls have dresses, doesn’t mean they have to wear them. Save dresses for special occasions (or slip on a pair of leggings or shorts underneath). A girl cannot crawl in a dress. She cannot climb or hang up-side-down in one, either. Girls cannot run or ride a bike in sandals or crocks — and neither can boys, for that matter!

4.  Avoid using and/or reinforcing gender stereotypes. Girls don’t have to look like princesses and be afraid of bugs. Boys don’t have to like dirt and football (and might be afraid of bugs!). (My daughter loves to dig for worms in the back yard!) All children can like all colors. Talk about and deconstruct gender stereotypes. Teach your children to recognize and challenge them — it’s empowering for them.

5. Take girls to watch women’s sporting events. And take brothers and dads, too.  Girls need athletic role models and to see that women’s sports are compelling and fun to watch.

6. Encourage children to play with friends of the opposite gender, even as they get older.  Girls and boys can learn so much from each other.

By Lindsay Rico

The game was over. Tied. But the excitement was just beginning. About 100 fans (and parents) leaned over steel barriers holding out soccer balls, jerseys, t-shirts—anything that would take ink —eager for the Boston Breakers and Philadelphia Independence players to plant their sharpies.

Leslie Osborne, Breakers co-captain, remembers being that young girl starting her soccer career at ten years old. Is she is ever too tired after a game to sign autographs? “No,” she says. “No matter how tired I am, I always remind myself of how much it would mean to me if I were that little girl to meet the players I look up to and get that autograph.”

Squeezed in among fans in “autograph alley,” I saw a girl clutching a Leslie Osborne poster with a smile on her face. Her dad struggled to find room on a child-sized Breakers shirt that was already covered in signatures. “How important is it that the Breakers come and meet their fans?” I asked. Dan, 44, didn’t pause: “My ten year old daughter is inspired by this. It’s great for her to come here and meet her role models.”

Further down autograph alley, I met Payton, 11, bundled up in soccer gear and ear muffs ( it was super cold!).  She turned to her friend and breathed, “Oh my god! It’s Kristine Lilly!”

Like guys who pride themselves on memorizing baseball stats, Payton rattled off the number of medals and world championships Lilly has won — along with the number of shots she’s taken so far this season.

“It’s really important!” she said when I asked her about post-game autographs. “Then we know that they really do care about their fans!” She turned away to chat up the players who were  signing her hoodie, offering them her take on their play that night, and calling out certain saves and shots for special praise.

Who says little girls with wash-off tattoos on their cheeks aren’t serious and committed fans?!

After spending 40 minutes in 40-degree wet New England weather surrounded mostly by young girls waiting to meet their sports heroes, three things struck me:

1)     Mainstream sports media — and even organizations — may be dismissive about young female fans. But these kids know more about the game than you think.

2)     These athletes actually do care about building relationships with fans (and it’s not just ticket sales or the ego rush of seeing a kid wearing your number).

3)     This is what professional sports should look like.

What is a real fan? What does that person look like? Is it the barrel-chested guy that begs to be the exclamation point at the end of “GO PATS!” when he and his buddies paint their tummies before kick off?

On this rainy and unpleasantly cold night at Harvard Stadium — when any sane person would have just gone home after the final whistle was blown — I saw something different. I saw big-time, serious, dedicated fans. This wasn’t about the guy with a beer-soaked voice and colorful wig, living vicariously through Tom Brady or Kobe Bryant.

It was about an 11-year-old girl loving how well her team played, about understanding the game, about appreciating the chance to talk about a sport she loves with players who share her passion. And yeah, as it is for every kid who goes to watch a sport they play,  it’s about her thinking, “I could be her someday.”

By Emilie Liebhoff

I recently took my three-year-old daughter ice-skating for the first time.  I skated a few laps, did some quick crossovers, and pivoted back and forth.  She was amazed.  (I’m sure she thought, “What did you do with my mom?”)  Then, with knees bent and arms out, she tried. “Look Mommy, I’m doing it.  I’m doing it!”  It was heartwarming: She wanted to be like me.

This is an exciting Olympic year for me.  It’s the first time my daughter is old enough to really watch Olympic women’s ice hockey with me.  She’s seen men’s football.  She’s seen men’s golf.  And, she’s seen men’s baseball.  Now I get to show her my sport, and the strong, skilled, athletic women who play it.

Here are three reasons why I’m watching with my daughter:

1)    Encourage her to be a sports fan.  Not only do I want to show her that women play ice hockey, but I also want to encourage her to watch sports and to excited about the women playing them.  Men and boys follow sports — but not enough girls and women do. Watching the Olympics is Step One to develop the fan in our daughters.

2)    Show her female sports role models.  Growing up it was tough for me to be a sports fan: Sure, Wayne Gretzy was an amazing hockey player, but he was a guy.  That’s not the case now for our girls. There are incredible female athletes who our daughters can aspire to be like, and who can be positive influences in their lives. (This US team has 15-first-timers plus veteran Jenny Potter — mom! — and superstar Angela Ruggiero, the first female non-goalie to play men’s pro hockey).

3)    Teach her the game. When you are an educated observer, your daughter will notice!  She’ll appreciate and admire your ability to watch the game, root for your team, and know what’s going on. This also is a chance for you to help your daughter build her own sports knowledge.

I did play hockey in college, but that experience isn’t required to watch — and enjoy! — the games with your daughters. Here’s help:

– First, when watching don’t say, “Wow isn’t she pretty?”  Instead, use this opportunity to emphasize the skill and strength of the players.  “Look, Jane, isn’t it impressive the way she stickhandles the hockey puck?” Or, “See how fast she can skate!” Remind them of the finesse and skill required to keep possession of the puck, particularly because checking isn’t allowed, but body contact is.  Point out, that women can use their bodies to protect the puck.

– Show your daughter that you understand the sport. Mention some of the rules. One key rule is offsides: The easiest way to explain it is to always let the puck win a race between the player and the puck.  If the puck crosses the blue line into the offensive end, the puck must cross the line before the offensive player.  If the puck gets sent out of that end and crosses back over the blue line, then all offensive players must follow the puck out of the offensive end.  The puck always needs to win the race.   For more rules and information, click here.

– Make it a point to interact while watching the game.  Have your daughters notice, for example, that when there are only four players on one side of the ice it means that team must have a penalty.  Conversely, the other team must have a “power play.”  This is a good chance for the power play team to score because they have an extra player.  Sometimes, you will notice an exciting moment when a team will “pull the goalie” to put an extra offensive player on the ice.  This usually happens if a team is trying to tie up the game and there is a minute remaining.

– And, importantly, show your daughters that when women score, they celebrate.  (Girls sometimes feel they are being conceited if they celebrate).  Expressing happiness after a goal is OK and encouraged!

– Also point out that ice hockey is not about the individual, but is a team sport. Highlight the fact that there are five players on the ice and that they all pass the puck to each other to work toward scoring a goal.  They also work together to defend and protect their own goalie.

The Olympic games occur over an exciting two weeks.  Use the games as a chance to not only bond with your daughter, but to ignite her interest in becoming a sports fan.   You may be developing the next generation of female athletes. See  Olympic women’s ice hockey schedule here.

Emilie Liebhoff teaching her eldest daughter to skate

Emilie Liebhoff is former co-captain of the Dartmouth College women’s ice hockey team, mother of two daughters, founder of Moms as Mentors™ and the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools.