Jo Heywood, the headmistress of an exclusive girls' school in the U.K., has urged parents to raise their children in a gender neutral way. She insisted that by allowing girls and boys explore their roles, they are also creating a broader bridge for their children to grow and enjoy their life more.
"If a little boy wants to explore wearing a princess dress and a little girl wants to spend time in a fireman's outfit, then that is to be encouraged," Jo Heywood told the Sunday Times. She also added that as the girls want to spend time with a fireman's outfit, let the boys have those girlie make-up, too.
Heywood believed that it is important for these children to receive support from their parents for it will be the key for them to push through the best they can be, as posted by DailyMail. According to her, gender neutral parenting will also help produce more girls who are more confident and willing to enter the science and engineering field.
"Putting three-year-olds into clothes for the opposite sex is silly and they will be teased by other children," said Professor Alan Smithers, an expert on education at Buckingham University. "This kind of parenting will not advance the cause of equality. Instead of opening up a wider range of opportunities, it will actually result in some very unhappy and disoriented children."
Heywood's comment was stated after pop singer Adele revealed that she also lets her son dress as a Disney princess. Though some have argued it as child abuse, others have seconded and showed their support to the matter.
Meanwhile, as reported by the Telegraph, a survey has been conducted by Channelmum.com which showed that three out of five parents believe that gender labeling of clothes and toys which have been posted by retailers must be removed.
