Kids look at the world through their parents’ eyes. They observe everything a parent does – the language they speak, the clothes they wear, what they eat and how they spend their time – and make these habits their own. That’s why they say the formative years of a child’s life are extremely crucial. They shape up their beliefs and biases. Advocating for gender equality is great, but the best way to attain it is to teach them young. Here are 5 parenting tips for raising gender-neutral kids:
Buy Them Gender-Neutral Toys
Who says dolls are for girls and cars for boys? Why paint a baby girl’s nursery pink in colour, and a baby boy’s nursery blue? These little things unknowingly make kids grow up to believe that their likes and hobbies have to be in line with the stereotypes attached to their gender. It limits their potential. Get your child a variety of toys – from lego blocks and playdough to a doctor set and a steam engine- so that they grow up to believe they can be anything!
Be The Change
You may teach your kids all about equality and inclusivity, but until and unless you don’t practise them in your home, they won’t learn. Remember children pick up actions more than words. As husband and wife, you must share household responsibilities equally. No one parent should be responsible for the chores or the finances.
Read Them Stories
Stories can get you to think beyond the imaginable, so expose your kids to a variety of literature. Get your boy(s) to read autobiographies of inspiring women and men who made it big in fields supposedly meant for women, like cooking and fashion. Get your girl(s) to read books on business, finance and entrepreneurship so they’re not daunted by them, and show them examples of men who are kind and sensitive.
Involve Them In All Activities
Whether you have a son or a daughter, teach them to do everything from cooking and cleaning to playing sports and filing taxes. Don’t attach gender roles to household responsibilities. When you have guests over, make sure it’s not only your daughter who’s made to serve food, while your son sits back and relaxes. Get them to work together, as a team.
Correct Them… Even If A Million Times!
Don’t expect kids to know right from wrong. Know that they will make mistakes. When they do, be patient with them. Instead of scolding them, tell them how they can be better. Remind them if they forget. You may be all for gender equality, but unless you watch your kids’ behaviour closely, especially in the formative years, and guide them in the right direction, they won’t imbibe your values.
