Almost from birth, females find themselves in a world of limiting stereotypes and barriers to achievement. Research, my own as well as that of others, has identified external barriers which seem to negatively influence the development of talents and gifts in some gifted girls and women. External barriers can result from family and environmental issues such as socialization and stereotyping in home, school, and in society. Parental Messages Parental attitudes often vary toward having and raising gifted girls as opposed to boys. Parental influences have also been shown to have an impact on the lives of talented females, including the educational levels and occupations of both father and mother, as well as the type and level of parental aspirations for children's educational and occupational goals.
Mothers seem to have a particular influence on their gifted daughters.
My interviews have found that talented girls with career-oriented mothers tend to develop a variety of talents and interests early in life and feel less conflict about growing up and becoming independent, autonomous women. My research has indicated that in order to evolve into successful women, girls need to experience competition and opportunities for leadership. They also need to understand the need to challenge convention, to question authority, and to speak out about things that need to be changed. While I am not advocating that we raise daughters without concentrating on politeness and courtesy, I am advocating that we consider raising daughters who speak out, say no and challenge authority when necessary. Parents who demand a certain behavior code sometimes squelch the passion and the love of questioning and talking from their outgoing, spirited daughters.