7 Ways to Raise a Gender-Neutral Child

Pink for Girls and Blue for Boys ….. Naaah!!!!

Kids are free to choose the color irrespective of their gender. Since gender-based discrimination is so prevalent in our society, the best thing to do is to start at home. Gender neutral parenting should begin as early as possible, right from choosing the color of outfit, toys, story books. Thankfully, gender neutral parenting of a child has been on the rise in India. This is basically done to expose children to toys, clothes and activities that cross gender lines. Many psychologists believe gender-based rearing of kids do not yield them utmost success in their lives.

7 Ways to Raise a Gender-Neutral Child

Most of the parents these days prefer to adopt this policy to avoid subjecting their children to gender stereotypes, thus restoring equality in the long run. A few studies have concluded that behaviour and self-esteem among both boys and girls has significantly improved in schools where gendered objects and activities were avoided. Here are some ways to help you raise your child gender neutral:

1. Condemn stereotypes

Children when left in the outside world get exposed to several situations where gender role is emphasized by so many outsiders. As a parent it is essential to help the child distinguish right guidance from that of wrong guidance. The child should be taught about the prevailing gender bias and explain how to break stereotypes. This is one way to overcome the concept of gender roles and identity.

2. Pay less attention to gender

From the smallest of things for many it becomes unavoidable to address or frame an opinion on someone based on their gender because in the past those people have been brought up that way and it is not their fault. Change needs to start from within and from the tiniest of things. You can rephrase certain sentences like “you go kid!” instead of “you go girl!” or “you go boy!”.

3. Get rid of colour-based gender segregation

This has been followed for years together now and it’s high time you save your children from this stigma. Pink has been assumed the colour of female gender and when used to be a matter of concern when guys are dressed up in pink. It is the responsibility of parents to make their children feel okay about all colours and also that they have no relevance to gender. This should start antenatally. In the past gender revelation parties used to have colours indirectly indicating the gender of the child. Pink refers to girl and blue refers to boy but this is not necessary and this should not be standardized anytime in the future.

4. Encourage socialization and activities between boys and girls

The mindset and ideologies of children indirectly reflect the morality of their parents. Only if we as parents, start encouraging them to play together without differentiating the child can confidently overcome the gender-based inhibitions and restrictions.

5. It is okay to be different

Stereotypes arise only when a set of rules and regulations are vested upon one sex. As long as kids live by that standard without realising their individuality and difference in thought process, gender equality and gender-neutral atmosphere cannot come into place. It is important to remind kids that it is okay to have their own ideologies and follow their principles in life.

6. Let them express

It becomes essential for parents to make their children feel comfortable about expressing themselves because it is not advisable to let them suffer or grow in silence. While letting themselves express, even if they’re wrong the approach should never be harsh or abusive. Instead, focus on the influence that makes them feel that way and treat the underlying cause.

7. Things do not carry gender tags

The type of toys your child plays with has a vital role in his/her growth and development. Kids remember certain important details in life based on the toys that they like the most. As parents we should not keep the child away from a toy or draw him/her more towards a toy under the influence of gender.

 

A kid not exposed to gender biases, roles and stereotypes will look at the world differently from us. Let us build #AGenerationWithoutGenderBias .

This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter’