I can't stand it when I hear someone tell a little boy, "That's for girls!". Or like-wise, when someone tells a little girl she can't do something because she's a girl.
I do believe some things ARE nature. Scientifically boys statically stronger and better with their hands and machines. They see things better three-dimensionally (hence their obsession with video games). Girls are naturally more nurturing and thoughtful. But saying one this is for boys and another is for girls just peeves me off.
Inadvertently and sometimes purposefully, many parents treat their children of different sexes differently. When a boy takes a hard fall, some parents are more likely to encourage them to toughen up (even if it was
obviously painful). Whereas a girl may be coddled, soothed, and reassured. Boys are usually rough-housed a little more than their "fragile" counterparts. The genders are dressed in specific colors and offered a different set of toys. I giggle to myself a little when someone will say what a "boy" their kid is when it is obviously he is being treated in a stereotypical boy role. And that's fine. What really irks me, is when
parents try to discourage something their child finds interest in, because they don't think it's gender appropriate.
A little boy playing dress up. A girl digging in the mud with tractors. Your son wanting a play kitchen for Christmas while Suzie wants a set of Legos. Let your child take interest in whatever it is that excites them. Parental attitudes towards their children have a strong impact on the child's developing sense of self and self-esteem.
By limiting their opportunities and ignoring their talents, you are only perpetuating unfairness on our society. Studies have shown that children from androgynous homes have higher self esteem and healthier love relationships. Their children develop a sense of worth. It's about following their lead and supporting who your child wants to be, not who YOU want them to be.
I hope that Isabelle can grow up as gender neutral as possible. In our house, we have dolls and trucks. Kitchens and Kick Balls. Dresses and Overalls. Daddy loves to play rough with her, and I love sitting and cuddling. When she takes interest in something, I want it to be because it's what she is honestly interested in, not because she feels like it's what she's supposed to do or what mom and dad wants her to do. Right now, she loves to accessorize, dress up, and check herself out in the mirror. She also prefers her trucks and legos over her dolls and kitchen. Really, I just want her to be happy.
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