Resources & Recommendations

A selection of books, TV shows, movies, and websites for children of all ages that can help with the task of raising empowered girls.

Websites

Puberty and sex education videos: https://amaze.org/

Inclusive sex and relationship education: https://www.scarleteen.com/

Teen Help ~ Supporting and Empowering Youth: https://iamteenstrong.org/

Resources from the American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/topics/women-girls

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: www.ANAD.org

Body image and eating disorder prevention: www.BeRealUSA.org

Birth control info and sex tips: Bedsider.org

Students against sexual harassment: https://sashclub.org

Educating students, families, and schools: https://stopsexualassaultinschools.org/

Books

Below are a few key reads that get a feminist star in my book (thoughtfully crafted, inclusive of bodies and genders, reproductive diversity, representation of interesting girls, etc).

Sex Positivity

Body Positivity

Empowered Girls

Boys need to hear stories about strong, competent, adventurous girls too!

BIOGRAPHY SERIES:

TV & Movies

Commonsensemedia.org is a fantastic resource to check for age recommendations for all things media related. That being said, my husband and I are often comfortable allowing our kids to see things rated as appropriate by CSM for slightly older kids.

The Rationale: 1) Watching slightly mature content together with kids is a great way to prompt discussion and share your values. 2) Parents are often comfortable allowing their kids to view violence starting from a young age but strictly prohibit even mild sexual representation like a couple kissing in bed. Personally, we’d rather shield our children from violence than sexuality that expresses love. If we want our kids to be open with us when they’re teens, we have to make sex a safe topic. If we wait until they become self-conscious, we may have missed the boat. 

Preschool

  • Shows

    Ada Twist, Scientist

    Bluey

    Doc McStuffins

    Word Girl

    Pete the Cat

    Lilo & Stitch

    TOTS

    Odd Squad

  • Movies

    Moana

    The Princess and The frog

    Many of Hayao Miyazaki’s films including:

    Ponyo,

    Kiki’s Delivery Service

    My Neighbor Totoro

 

Elementary

  • Shows

    Anne of Green Gables

    Annedroids

    Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

    Hilda

    Carmen Sandiego

    She-Ra and the Princess of Power

    Just Add Magic

  • Movies

    Spirited Away

    Inside Out

    The Sound of Music

    Annie

    Matilda

    Mulan (animated version)

    Queen Of Katwe

    The American Girl Doll Movies

    A league of their own

    RBG (documentary)

 

For 11 or 12 and Up

  • Shows

    Anne with an E

    Gilmore Girls

    Modern Family

    Enola Holmes

    Jane the Virgin

    Buffy The Vampire Slayer

    The Fosters

    Parks and Recreation

  • Movies

    Mulan (live action version)

    Bend It Like Beckham

    Hidden Figures

    Temple Grandin

    Little Women

    Wonder Woman