My parents and grandparents were amazing people. They taught me many things- and one of them was their belief that men and women should not be stereotyped. Women could preach, and wield power tools - and men could cook and sew, and work in the 'caring' professions. Gentleness is not just for women - and violence is not manly [it's not right for anybody]
My daughters are raising their children in the same way. I recently came across this poster and accompanying article and thought it contained some good ideas worth sharing.
Sociologist Dr Finn Mackay, who designed the poster says this
"Tell your girls to be adventurous, let them climb trees without telling them to be careful at every branch. Buy trucks and bricks for your girls because they might be architects one day, or racing drivers. Hug your boys, comfort them when they are upset, tell them they are beautiful. Buy dolls for your boys because they might be fathers or carers one day, or nursery teachers.
When we look at the problems we have in the world, which will be imposed on our children, it is clear we all, as communities, need to raise change-makers, peace-makers and souls with gentle hearts and strong minds."
One of my favourite toys as a child was a yellow Tonka truck. I also played with dolls, but was never a girly girl. When it came to our own children, my hubby was a STHD and I went back to work. Despite this being only 20 years ago it was still not the norm and garnered some comments from friends and family. I think it's one of the best things we did.
ReplyDeleteI know other couples who have done this - and it has worked well for them too. Both my daughters (& partners) have opted for "shared parental leave" rather than "maternity leave" following the birth of their children. My Pastor and his wife here in Norfolk both work part time & share childcare. Well done for doing it, Claire!
DeleteTelegraph has an article today pointing out that stereotypes exist even in G7! The wives of the 'leaders' are sent off to play while the men do the hard work of dicussing. the article said its very interesting that two strong women who probably have a great deal to do with running their country, ie Jill B and Carrie J are trotted off to play at schools.....
ReplyDeleteJill Biden seems to be an extremely gifted First Lady, very capable in her own right
ReplyDeleteCBC's dad was a stay at home Dad with him and his younger sister. I always make sure to pick a mix of boys and girls when I ask kids to help me move furniture and other objects at school to avoid the 'big strong boy to help' stereotype and I've had stern words to children who try to ridicule boys who wear pink. That poster is great!
ReplyDeleteYou can download a poster from the website (to share in the staffroom?)
DeleteLife should be about possibilities and it is neat to see how children play and develop when they are not placed into "boxes".
ReplyDelete