Feminism and Motherhood

As the mother of two young daughters, I am acutely aware of the influences upon my girls and how the choices I make on their behalf are effecting them.  One of my goals as a parent is to raise strong, assertive, confident women which, though relatively abstract, does help me strive to make informed decisions about concrete aspects of their lives.  My question is, where does it start?  Is it enough for me not to buy pink or otherwise gendered toys?  Is it enough to read them stories with strong female heroines who do more than prance around in pink dresses?  Is it enough to discuss the problems with barbie dolls and encourage my children to aspire to something other than wearing Disney princess costumes for Halloween? 

Clearly, there are too many things – both insidious and obvious – that are influencing how my children view the world and their place within it.  However, what else can I do to make my case?  The way they see me and other female (as well as male) role models around them will likely have a lasting effect.  The way their father and I discuss gender roles, power dynamics and feminism will, I hope, be influential, as will practical actions like dividing household chores.  Despite this, I can’t contain or prevent media influences, peer influences, other adults who praise only my girls’ appearance while simultaneously encouraging “strong, smart” boys etc.  As a mother who acknowledges these issues and their complexity, where does raising empowered daughters begin?  And, can we really ever do enough?