Why It Doesn't Matter If It's A Girl's Job Or A Boy's

Gender typification is one word that we hear a lot. But, what is it all about? And, how do you know that you’re stereotyping your child based on her/his gender? These five ways to prevent gender typification will help you understand more about the term and avoid those mistakes everyone seems to be pointing out.

In This Article

1. Choosing toys

Toys should only be perceived as what they are; objects of instant gratification, and endless comfort for children. There is no such thing as a male or a female toy. And, you should avoid stores with girls and boys sections.

Don’t tell her to buy a pretty little doll just because you think so. Let your child select her toy. A child cannot understand what girl’s or guy’s stuff is, and your intervention only enforces gender stereotypes in them.

2. Don’t compliment on your child’s masculinity or femininity

Avoid using adjectives like dainty or pretty to describe girls. Much in the same way, avoid using adjectives like handsome or strong to describe boys. These adjectives reinforce gender stereotypes and send subtle messages to children. Of course, you must compliment your children when they do something amazing, but you should avoid using gender-specific adjectives to do so. Try complimenting them on their capabilities and using gender-neutral adjectives such as intelligent, smart, clever, etc.

3. Watch “non-traditional” movies

Gender typification is something that begins at the top. In most cases, parents unwittingly pander to gender-stereotypes and end up reinforcing them. The first thing to do is become more accepting. It’s easier to type, and much harder to do. But, you need to give it an honest effort. Watch movies that portray men and women in specific roles. Consider getting your children books that portray males and females in non-standard roles.

4. Choosing Clothes

Don’t pick pink for girls and blue for boys, when you are shopping for your children. Let the children select what they want to wear. There might be instances of bullying, and you need to help your child get over such instances.

5. Understand Your Perspective

We all have our opinions about what roles men and women should play in society, and in most cases, we pander to those beliefs. Before you begin your journey of gender neutrality, you need to introspect and ensure that you don’t impose your views on your children.

6. Do Not Earmark Jobs For Them

If you want your children to help you in daily chores, do not give cooking or mopping to your daughter and gardening or such errands to your son, signalling them that the indoor chores are for girls and outdoor tasks are for boys.

We hope that these tips help you raise a gender-neutral child. Do you have any more tips on the subject? Tell us here.

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