We all know Angelina Jolie for her beauty and incredible acting skills. But the gorgeous star is also known for something far removed from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood — how she parents her six children. Recently, the stunning Maleficent actress graced the cover of Elle magazine. But it was Angelina Jolie’s advice to her three daughters that caught more attention than her fabulous portrait.
For the March 2018 issue of Elle magazine, Jolie sat down with former Secretary of State John Kerry. She discussed her campaign against the use of violence against women as a weapon.
She also stressed the importance of men and women coming together to advance women’s rights globally. But what mostly caught our eye was the sage advice this strong woman has for her three daughters — Vivienne, 9, Shiloh, 11, and Zahara, 13.
Angelina Jolie’s advice to her three daughters
“I tell my daughters, ‘What sets you apart is what you are willing to do for others. Anyone can put on a dress and makeup. It’s your mind that will define you,’ she told the publication.
“‘Find out who you are, what you think, and what you stand for. And fight for others to have those same freedoms. A life of service is worth living,'” the mom-of-six shared.
‘I think of how hard women fought to get us to where we are today’
Jolie, the director of First They Killed My Father, also shared why she feels people must change their attitudes about sexual violence, along with laws.
“I think of how hard women fought to get us to where we are today. Everything counts, from the way you hold yourself in daily life and educate yourself on your own rights, to solidarity with other women around the world,” shared the Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR.
“When it comes down to it, we still treat violence against women as a lesser crime. In some countries, sexual violence is less of a taboo discussion. It’s something more people expect their leaders to act on,” shared Jolie.
However, she did add in the interview that she feels a lot of progress is being made to protect women. This includes helping them understand the true meaning of their freedom.
It is needless to say that her interview is a clear reflection of not only her own thoughts on the subject of women’s rights but also her expectations from her three girls.
It’s no wonder then that we feel that Angelina Jolie’s advice to her daughters is one we must share with our daughters.
3 life lessons you must give to your daughters
But apart from these two crucial life lessons, there is much more you can teach your girls now to groom them into tomorrow’s leaders.
1. Don’t be a damsel in distress
Gender has nothing to do with the power of thought and resolution and we need to teach this crucial lesson to our daughters. A girl doesn’t have to be a damsel in distress. Instead, she should be strong enough to protect her physical self and make her own voice be heard.
Ask them to share their opinions on subjects and know that they always have you as their greatest supporter.
2. Empower yourself with progressive thoughts
We must also teach our girls to not discriminate against anybody based on caste, creed, sex or religion.
Lead by example and explain why we must respect everybody’s life choices.
3. Uplift other women
This is an important life-lesson we must teach our girls. As opposed to taking criticism by the same gender as negative, we must take it as constructive feedback and work to better ourselves.
Source: Popsugar
ALSO READ: Is it okay to cry in front of your kids? Angelina Jolie’s take
(Feature image courtesy: Pinterest/screengrab)
Republished with permission from: theAsianParent Singapore
