Teach Your Girls

Teach your girls to throw a punch
To speak up for themselves
Teach your girls to not back down
To trade timid words for yells

Teach your girls that it’s alright
To admit when something’s wrong
Teach your girls to have no shame
For loving any song

Teach your girls that there is strength
In working close together
Teach your girls that sisterhood
Can weather any weather

Teach your girls that they can fart
And burp, and fight like men
Teach your girls that their words matter
And to ignore them is a sin

Teach your girls about their bodies
And that they’re all their own
Teach them it’s fine to be naughty
And fine to want to be alone

Teach girls they are just as important
As all the boys they know
Teach them that if some man hurts them
We will end him with one blow

Teach your girls that they are human
And humans make mistakes
Teach them to get back up again
Whatever strength that takes

Teach your girls that no is final
And they have every right to leave
Teach your girls when it’s time to move on
And that it’s okay to grieve

Teach your girls they’re not just mothers
Not just maids and wives
Teach your girls that they are worthy
Of strong enriching lives

Teach your girls how much they matter
How important that they are
Teach your girls how much you love them
Don’t let your words become their scars.