I have seen music clips aimed at young girls and I am shocked and disappointed in the sexualisation of young girls and misogynistic attitudes portrayed.
I don’t want my daughter growing up thinking this is ok. Because it’s not.
I can’t change the culture and I can’t control what she sees as she gets older. But I can show her the alternative.
That is, you are amazing just how you are. You don’t have to change for anyone. You are not your hair, your skin or another person’s expectation.
Here are 5 of my favourite uplifting and empowering songs that I think our daughters should hear. And us mums 
- Try – Colbie Caillat
An inspirational song about liking yourself – we could all benefit from listening to this!
The clip starts off with women of different ages and ethnicities heavily made-up, to be liked.
As the clip progresses they strip down to a natural look – with the clear message that you don’t need to do all that to be liked, what matters most is that YOU like you.
“You don’t have to try so hard
You don’t have to give it all away
You just have to get up, get up, get up, get up
You don’t have to change a single thing”
2. I am Not My Hair – India.Arie
Inspired by Pink’s decision to change her signature hairstyle, and Melissa Etheridge’s appearance at the 2005 Grammy Awards when she was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer at the time and performed with her head bald.
“I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am not your expectations no no
I am not my hair
I am not this skin
I am a soul that lives within”
3. Quashani Bahd – Mirror Mirror
I saw Quashani perform at a women’s event and I instantly fell in love with her music and her message.
“Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all – You are!”
4. Express Yourself – Madonna
“What you need is a big strong hand
To lift you to your higher ground
You deserve the best in life
So if the time isn’t right then move on
Second best is never enough
You’ll do much better baby on your own”
5. Firework – Katy Perry
If you have a tween daughter you are probably already familiar with this one!
You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine
Just own the night like the 4th of July
“Cause, baby, you’re a firework
Come on, show ’em what you’re worth
Make ’em go, “Aah, aah, aah”
As you shoot across the sky-y-y….
You don’t have to feel like a wasted space
You’re original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow”
Want to hear more?
Check out my Empowering Songs for Women playlist on Youtube