How To Raise Gender-Neutral Kids

“Pink is for girls and blue is for boys”; how often have you heard this? Since we can all remember, we have been conditioned to believe that pink represents girls and blue represents boys. It doesn’t stop there. This mindset is not restricted to colors. Even with kids’ toys, there is a stereotypical mindset of what kind of toys a girl child or a boy child is allowed to play with. A kitchen set is for girls, and a car set is for boys. Ballet for girls, karate for boys, badminton for girls, football for boys, and the list is endless. These stereotypes on gender are harmful to kids, and it’s time for a change. Gender should not define what you can and cannot do. If you’ve ever wondered how to break out of this regressive mindset and raise gender-neutral kids, scroll down to find out:

  • Toys Are Toys
Toys Are Toys
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Why must we put a restriction on what kind of toys our kids can play with based on their gender? If your son wants to play with a kitchen set, don’t stop him. If he picks out a doll when he’s at the toy store, don’t tell him that dolls are only for girls. Similarly, if your daughter wants to play with a firetruck or wants to join martial arts, don’t restrict it because it’s not “lady-like”. Children have a limitless imagination, and limiting their choice of toys can put a cap on it. Expose them to all kinds of toys and let them pick what they like without gender limitations.

  • Set An Example
Set An Example
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Children mirror your actions. If they grow up in a home where gender roles are not defined, they are more likely to understand that gender does not define what you can and cannot do. Take turns to do the household chores, and don’t restrict yourself to mom/dad duties. Instead, operate as a unit and watch your kids learn the same. When they see their dad cooking or mom fixing the computer, they learn that gender roles don’t have to be defined.

  • Stories, Books, Songs
Stories, Books, Songs
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There is no denying that songs, books, and stories that kids are exposed to influence what they believe in and how they perceive the world. Always ensure that you know what kind of books your kids read, what stories you tell them, and what songs they listen to. Fairy tales where the princess has to be saved by her prince charming are long gone. A girl don’t need a man to save her because she is enough herself!

  • Help Each Other Learn
Help Each Other Learn
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Gender roles are deeply ingrained in our society, and many times, we are victims to them without even realizing it. When you’re raising kids, it helps you reevaluate your values, beliefs, and morals and unlearn what does not serve you well. There is no harm in accepting that you want to change your mindset and break out of centuries of conditioning. You teach your kids how to be gender-neutral and learn to undo your actions that define specific gender roles.

  • Familiarize Them With Sports And Adventure
Familiarize Them With Sports And Adventure
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Adventure and sports are for everyone. It’s great to see young girls being encouraged to pursue sports that are “supposed to” be for boys. There has been a shift in mindset, and we have to appropriate it when it’s due. Boys learn ballet and join gymnastics, and girls practice football and hockey, unlike earlier days. Sports teach your kids dedication, hard work, discipline, and encourages team spirit. Therefore, irrespective of whether your child is a boy or a girl, introducing them to sports is a great idea.

It might be a challenge to shield your kids from being exposed to all traditional gender roles, no matter how hard you try. Because we are accustomed to what society accepts and are conditioned to believe what it does. However, with a little effort, some effective and open communication, we can all break stereotypes and raise gender-neutral kids. What are your thoughts on the matter? Comment below and let us know.

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