Nowadays, children make choices about certain stuff on their own. Sometimes, they think about their genders but other times they don't consider it a hurdle in doing what they want to do.
Parents, on the other hand, are also indulging in a parenting pattern that is not gender-specific. Such a trend is introduced in Nigeria and it is gradually getting popular among parents, according to Vanguard.
So, what exactly is a gender-neutral approach? It's a notable fact that certain colors, toys and dresses have been associated with boys and girls. For example, pink is credited to girls and blue is a boy's color. These trends are so common that they actually felt normal.
Gender neutralism as a method of parenting means that parents are not giving a priority or exemption on the basis of children's gender. Assuming that the girls are more sentimental than boys and tough sports is only a boy's thing is incorrect, the idea of gender-neutral parenting is to snap out of the stereotypical routines.
Nigerian parents, especially the mothers, are acquiring ways to treat their children with a similar way and not specifying their gender choices. However, one can never deny the fact that certain areas are still a part of customs, such as choices of colors and dresses or clothing.
Toys are sources of fun, play and entertainment but associating toys with gender is considered wrong. The U.K. initiates an organization named Let Toys Be Toys, which aims to end gender discrimination in toys and books. The organization believes that limiting certain toys to boys and girls affects their exploration and ideas.
Socialistically, gender roles are too pushing. It limits a potential of a child and current norms are restricting parents to encourage bravery in a girl as much as supporting a boy in his sewing interests.
Meanwhile, several governments of European nations are also taking steps toward gender neutralization, In fact, France and Ireland are including gender equality-based literature in their books while Sweden is fighting over gender discrimination for the past two decades.
Despite the fact that studies showed that mothers are more hesitant in practicing a gender-neutral parenting, they reportedly seem to be open to the ideas and theories that could enhance their children capabilities. So, are you a gender-neutral parent?
