10 Female Pop Culture Icons We Want Our Kids to Admire

In a world of reality-TV stars and child-celebrities-turned-partygoers, it's important to identify intelligent, strong female role models for young women — and men! Our friends at Common Sense Media are here to share their top ten.

"Sugar, spice, and everything nice" sounds hopelessly out of touch in today's world, right? Well, then what's with all the sexy, pouty, getting-by-on-looks-alone female celebs (looking at you, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, and Kendall Jenner). Women who kick butt, rock out, and break barriers are the ones we want our kids to know about. These are women who defy stereotypes and embody character traits we would like to see in our own kids: perseverance, courage, empathy, and creativity. And even though it's 2016, women have a long way to go to be equally reflected in everything from speaking parts in movies to board rooms in Silicon Valley. As actress and SeeJane.org spokesperson Geena Davis says, she can't be it if she can't see it.

So choose a few of these media and pop culture icons to introduce to your kids (and especially your daughters). Not every aspect of their careers or personalities has to be age-appropriate or fit with your perspective, but by sharing what you like about these ladies, you show your kids what you value, give them something to aspire to, and open up an opportunity for them to think about the traits these ladies share with the pop culture peeps they love (hello, YouTube stars!).