Children are born into the world the same way. It's how they are raised that makes all the difference. A little boy loves to play chef but the masculine dad forces him to dribble a ball instead. How many times has that girl heard remarks that she's a tomboy just because she loves to play race cars with boys?
Males can be nurturing and females can be tough and competitive, too. The HealthSite adds that there's nothing wrong if your daughter is very "girly" or boy very "macho." It is also okay if your daughter loves skateboarding over crafts and your son would rather play dress-up than watch a game of hockey.
Nowadays, gender-neutral names like Riley and Charlie are a trend and some parents grow their sons' hair long. Is the world opening itself to such controversial child-raising practice?
According to Parenting, a Swedish children's clothing company has done away with its designated boys' and girls' sections in favor of becoming a gender-neutral outlet. A Swedish toy catalog also pulled a switch on readers featuring a boy in a Spider-Man costume, pushing a pink baby carriage.
Not everyone goes all the way with this kind of parenting. Mothers and fathers know the social implications and aim to protect their little ones from the being judged and mistreated.
Not every child can stand up to bullying, especially when he or she is too young. The best way to give boys and girls freedom to have their own identity is to help them discover their inclinations and passion.
If letting a lad wear pink shoes is too much for him to handle, then don't. If he is comfortable to face his peers sporting them and confident enough to carry himself in a positive manner, allow him the experience.
Another angle is presented by Fran Walfish, Psy.D., a Californian psychotherapist. The doctor tells Parents that every boy and girl child must make a strong identification as a male or female person. Without it, the child feels lost and confused about [his or her] own identity.
No matter what side of the fence moms and dads are in, they can all agree on this: they just want what's best for their offspring. Remember, guiding is different from imposing as suggesting is not synonymous to urging.
Is gender-neutral parenting the best way to raise healthy and happy children? What do you think?
