The characteristics of the girl are different from those of the boy child in many ways. Apart from the biological and physical attributes, there are other attributes of the female child which requires her to be given special attention as she grows up. In this piece, we shall analyze those traits and suggest how they should be utilized for the optimal development of the girl child.
Relating with the Opposite Sex.
The girl child in her usual way is the shy type. She consciously or unconsciously chooses her play mate(s) be it her fellow girls or boys of her age that she can easily relate with. Parents should watch their girl child as she goes through this developmental stage, which is usually around the age range of eight and ten years.
Education.
During her formative years in school, special attention should be given to her to ensure that she remains focused on her Intended career because the dangerous and wrong notion that the female child is often not as serious as the male child in terms of education may play out in her life if she is not properly guided. Her books should be checked regularly and she should always be reminded about her intended course of study and the need to avoid any distraction so that she can achieve the desired result.
After her secondary education, usually between the age of sixteen and eighteen, the girl child begins to feel like an adult, even if she is still an adolescent. Expectedly, she begins to feel the urge to experience certain things that adults do. This is a critical moment in her life! She is likely going to change her circle of friends either for good or for negative reasons. She tends to keep some secrets from anyone she may have previously trusted and confided in. Whenever parents notice any change in her behaviour, shouting on her as a child that she really is, as a way of correcting any detected wrong in her may not yield positive result - just as nagging is often counterproductive. Giving her your confidence does the magic. Maintain the trust you built in her since infancy and she will not let you down in any way.
Tertiary Education.
Once the girl child progresses to this level in her life, she feels interdependent; she feels grown up and considers herself capable of handling certain situations with little or no contribution from her parents or guardians, except, perhaps, financial support. Insofar she is still under your care as her parent or guardian, regular interaction with her on her general welfare is strongly advised. This will keep her on the right track and help her to avoid mistakes that she will regret later in life.
Marriage.
Parents and guardians do not, or better still, cannot chose a Husband for their daughter! However, as her parent or guardian, you have a special role to play in this respect. She needs your advise, your guidance and unflinching support. Try to know her intended husband very well and offer her useful advice concerning her relationship with the man. You may advice against the marriage, but never be seen to choose a husband for her, lest you pay dearly for it in the long run, should the marriage fail because the decision to marry a man of her choice lies squarely with your daughter.
Such is the life of the girl child that if the potentials in her are property harnessed, she would be a huge blessing to herself, her family and the society at large
