Gender-Neutral Parenting: How Does It Work?
Gender-neutral parenting is the new trend already practiced in Sweden and Canada and slowly spreading to Germany. But how is it supposed to work? After all, gender clichés are already present at a young age. Even when looking more closely at toy shelves, many parents notice: the roles are clearly divided. For girls, everything in pink – for boys, it should be as action-packed as possible. Gender-neutral parenting speaks out especially against this pigeonholing. We explain what this hotly debated parenting method is about and present the most important pros and cons.
Gender-neutral Parenting: what does it mean?
Gender-neutral parenting means not necessarily to confront all gender clichés, and that is exactly to do the opposite. It is more about letting children decide for themselves allow. The basic idea behind it: the little ones should develop their own be able to develop their personality without being constrained by parental or societal to be restricted by expectations. So if a little boy suddenly wants to playing with a Barbie? No problem. If he still chooses the a race car, that is also completely fine. It is mainly about allowing children to let them choose and not push them into a certain box.
Gender roles: innate or learned?
But to what extent is gender-specific behavior not already innate? Scientists agree that specific behavioral differences already appear in the womb. Other traits, however, are learned or influenced by external environmental factors. For example, little boys are already physically more active in the womb. Later, they are more risk-aware, while girls are ahead in fine motor skills and language development. For further development, the environment such as friends, acquaintances, or parents plays an important role. In many kindergartens, it is common to encourage girls to do crafts while boys are encouraged to be active.
Gender-neutral Parenting: Pros & Cons
But as everywhere, gender-neutral parenting also brings gender-neutral parenting has its advantages and disadvantages. We have key points compared:
Pros:
- Free Development: Children have the chance to freely develop their personality.
- Especially in infancy and toddlerhood Does the parenting method work well.
- Children also have more opportunities to grow beyond themselves.
- Many children experience a boost in self-confidence, which can accompany little ones throughout their entire life journey
Contra:
- The upbringing method can also bring mockery and teasing.
- From kindergarten onwards, children are more strongly confronted with gender roles.
- Unconsciously, parents also treat boys and girls differently.
Conclusion: Gender-equitable Upbringing instead of strictly neutral upbringing
So is it about treating girls and boys exactly the same? No, primarily equal opportunities play the most important role here. Children should be given the chance to experience different expressions of male and female behavior. Only through their own experiences can they form their own opinions. It is important to lead by good example and not to model common stereotypes at home. If dad never stands behind the stove, the male child probably won’t want to cook either. Role models are very important for little ones.
Gender-neutral Toys: what are they?
The toy industry is well aware of how it differentiates products by gender: pink for girls, blue for boys. No matter how gender-neutral the toy is, the corresponding color still stamps it. But the packaging is not the problem; it’s what lies behind it: children are being taught the ideal image of the 1950s. Toys for boys are supposed to embody traits like wild, brave, and active. For girls, toys should be decorative and pretty to look at. This conveys how children are supposed to be. However, it is perfectly fine for girls to be interested in technology or boys to like dolls.
What gender-neutral toys are available at howa?
Basically, children should be given all opportunities in a gender-neutral upbringing. Maybe boys are also interested in play kitchens but still don’t want a pink version in their room. For this reason, many wooden toys from the howa range are color-neutral. This way, they cannot be immediately assigned to a specific gender at first glance. Gender-neutral toys can be found here, for example, in the form of:
You can get more information about the listed products by clicking on the respective link. You can order the products directly in the howa online shop!
Image rights: © iStock / Choreograph
