What we are born with has nothing to do with what is expected of us in terms of norms, roles, and relationships. That said, gender stereotypes, the practice of aligning an individual with specific roles, traits, and attributes, have made it difficult for people to feel what they want and do what they want. .
This practice begins at a young age. When parents choose toys for their children, most commonly, it’s pink dolls (which are said to be more feminine) for girls and big trucks or toy guns (which are said to be more masculine or more feminine). boys) for boys. .
According to social norms, not bound by any formal laws, some toys are said to be suitable for girls and others for boys. No matter what the child wants for himself or herself, society is concerned with deciding which toys are best suited for them. This immediately sets up a chain of other stereotypical behaviors in children, where they are constantly pressured to act according to what society expects of them.
As a parent, it’s important to know that you’re not forcing your child. Even if it means choosing toys for your child. That said, here’s how you can break down barriers and avoid gender stereotypes for your child’s toys.
Choose toys based on their safety, not on your child’s gender
Toys can be educational, fun, and great for your child’s development, but some toys can be harmful to your child’s physical and mental health. Instead of trying to choose toys based on your child’s gender, choose toys that are safe for them.
Don’t restrict your son from playing with dolls and similarly, don’t forbid your daughter from playing with racing cars.
Likewise, toy companies should be proactive in building a safer and more equitable environment for children.
In October 2021, Lego, a Danish toy company, announced an effort to remove gender bias from its toys after research showed girls were being held back. restrained by gender stereotypes.
“The company will make sure any child, regardless of gender, feels they can build whatever they like,” the company said in a statement.
Let your kids decide what they want
Your child’s choices and their desires must prevail over everything else. While choosing toys may seem like a trivial thing to have a conversation around, it’s a conversation parents must have.
It’s important that you let children decide what they want. Let them start at an early age and the best way to do that is to let them speak for the toys they want.
What toys should you avoid giving your child?
If you are really worried about protecting your child from toys, then avoid buying toys that promote utopian standards of beauty that make a girl or boy not feel beautiful and confident. Avoid toys that add pressure to children and facilitate and promote violence, especially among boys.
Let’s work towards raising healthy, kind and confident children, while avoiding pressuring our kids with socially constructed roles and prejudices.
