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Encourage your kid to be who they want to be — break gender-stereotypes

Encourage your kid to be who they want to be — break gender-stereotypes

Kids gender stereotypes

Boys get cars, girls get dolls…

The former get to play with guns, the latter get to cook in the kitchen…

These are the usual stereotypes that we impose on kids.

Filipino people tend to label children as early as 1-year old when it comes to gender conformity. Boys have the color blue and girls get to have the color pink.

That’s why I usually come against gender-reveal parties due to the usual labeling involved in it. I mentioned how babies, as young as 1, usually get labeled a thing or two. Parents are notorious for buying their babies clothes and toys designed with the things that conform to what society says.

We are actually very unapologetic about it and accept it wholeheartedly. We tend to conform to these standards with no remorse and without even thinking about them. Sometimes, people even get mad when this is brought up. They think it is absurd to even be talked about because

“that’s just how the world works since the dawn of time.”

However, that’s exactly how we shouldn’t be and it is actually very dangerous. Do you know why?

It’s because imposing such roles on young children prevents them from being who they are meant to be. These might restrain them from unleashing their full potential.

A boy who could’ve been a world champion ice-skater could be stuck in a regular corporate job; a girl who could’ve saved thousands in a war could’ve been stuck in a diner. Nothing is wrong with said occupations, but are they really where they are meant to be?

Holding a kid hostage to stop him from achieving his full potential is one of the cruelest things you can do to him. This can not only diminish his bright future but the whole society’s as well. That’s why I advise that you encourage them to become who they want to be, with no restrictions, except of course, if it is already detrimental.

As a parent or a guardian, your role is to not cut their wings but to guide them to fly and be ready to catch them if they fall. And if he actually falls, encourage them to be in the air once again.

Start this by letting them choose for themselves. At a young age, let them decide what they wanna play with.

If young Jim wants to play with dolls and dress-up, let him. If little Angela wants to suit up and play with a toy rifle, with precaution of course, encourage her.

These little things make them not only free to choose and live up to their potential, but also make them confident. Imagine if they feel that their parents trust them with these small decisions, it can do wonders for their self-esteem.

Things as small as letting them play online games without shaming them with the category they choose are beneficial too. I’m not saying for you to force little John to play dress-up or salon, but if he wants to, better let him.

I remember as a kid, my parents didn’t technically prevent me from doing those things. However, they didn’t approve of it either. I feel their side-eye as I pick such activities. It affected me, not drastically, but I can still feel the force that holds me back whenever I appear as “feminine”.

Games that entertain me are usually culinary games. As I was reminiscing, I actually found some that feel very nostalgic without conforming to any gender-roles.

It reminds me of the ones I used to love playing. You can check some of these out for your little chefs out there.

Open Restaurant is one that I love playing. It involves finding people the right table, serving them the right food, cleaning up, and receiving tips. It’s actually quite addictive.

The game is time-pressured as you need to meet the required quota. It will teach young kids about proper time management and the hardships of having their own restaurant.

kid

Another one that involves making people happy with food service (and being pressured due to the anger of the customers, really) is Penguin Cafe.

Here, you also have to give your customers the right food at a given timetable. As a 24-year-old guy, I find this enjoyable as well.

If you want more games like this, a site I know that has a ton of them is Culinary Schools. I’m pretty sure both young boys and girls will enjoy these. Not only will they be encouraged to be amazing entrepreneurs, but will also give them a sense of responsibility.

To cut the story short, with all of these games and advice, you and only you can help your child achieve who they are destined to be.

Never stop them, restrain them, or make them someone they’re not. Be a better parent. You get to choose their destiny. Either let them grow or put them in a jail that you yourself made.

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