Before we begin with the topic we will first understand what sensitivity is in general? Sensitivity means being simple appreciative of others’ feelings. Gender sensitivity in particular means a mindset in which you are considerate of the feelings of the opposite gender. It is a behaviour that avoids discrimination by understanding and accepting the multiple differences between men and women.
In the recent times it has become very crucial to teach the kids a lot more than only the books. It is the parent’s responsibility to raise a compassionate child.
The world has rapidly shifted towards gender equality rather than the previous times of extreme gender discrimination . Women today have not only given tough competition to men but also had left them behind too in many spheres.
Hence, it is the right time when we teach our kids about gender sensitivity and fill their minds with correct approach.
Let’s have a look below on the various ways through which you can encourage gender sensitivity in your kids. Let us together find out the correct approach in doing the task.
The change begins at home
If you really want your kid to be a gender sensitive one, then you have to change the existing outlook of your home. Well you should start practising the same method at your home first.
You know? Here, you actually need to be a role model for your child. Before asking your child to do anything in this matter, you need to first yourself start doing that. Also, not only you but all the family members are required to have an equal participation rate in the game.
Gender neutral stuff
Since the time immortal, there is a sharp divide between the “kind” of stuff being provided to girls and boys.
When your child is growing up, he evidently comes across a lot of things where gender bias is visible. We have a lot of stereotypes embedded so deeply in our heads which are required to be rooted out.
For example, the dress which is pink is considered less appropriate for boys. Also, the car and robots are more suited to boys than the barbie and kitchen sets. These stereotypes have to be fixed sooner or later if you want to achieve the goal.
Do what you say
Now it is not the right approach that you say another thing and follow another. If you are giving gender sensitive teachings to your child then your habits should reflect the same. Your day to day tasks should not oppose your sayings.
If you really want your child to follow what you say then you should never betray your own sayings. Remember in the initial days of your child’s childhood he will become what he will see.
Domestic chores should be divided equally
Not just ask your kid to be sensitive about opposite gender in the outside world but also promote the same at your home too.
The reason is that children absorb the environment very quickly and whatever they see, they will reflect it.
The domestic chores should be divided equally amongst all the members. The women should not be overburdened with the house chores. The men of the house have to realise their duties and assist the women.
Have an open conversation
It may happen sometimes that even if you maintain a gender neutral environment at your home still your child receives an opposite teaching from somewhere outside.
The schools, media, neighbourhood, your child’s friends and a lot more people may feed gender biased stuff to you child.
In such a case, what you need to do is to have open conversation. Ask your child about what other opinions have the child heard about the topic. Tell him why the beliefs are right or wrong. Do not immediately neglect a view or point but give reasonable and scientific justifications.
Emotions have no gender
Over the time this narrow minded thinking has made home in our heads that boys don’t cry while girls don’t fight. I mean I tried so hard to find some logic to justify the saying but I have failed everytime.
Even boys cry when their heart feels so and the girls fight too when their mind asks them to.
Tell your kids to freely express their emotions and respect other’s emotions in the same manner. The kids are supposed to understand that emotions are gender neutral.
Let them talk
A very healthy way of teaching about gender sensitivity to children is to let them talk. When they discuss they actually discover themselves about various aspects of gender sensitivity and gender neutrality.
Most of the parents believe in separating the environments of their kids. Boys are kept with boys and girls are kept with boys because it is believed to be their safe environment.
If not at childhood itself then at the later stages this division takes place for sure. This division is not good for the learning process. It isolates the two and then the process of developing a gender neutral thinking gets complicated.
If they spend time together they get to know more about the issues and related solutions.
Have some patience
It is not going to be that easy I must warn you. In the process you have to follow a scientific approach and not an authoritarian one. Your kid may not agree with you and have his own set of beliefs.
However, your job is to have patience and keep explaining your belief to the child and give correct reasons for the same.
Remember that you want to teach your child something which the society opposes at present times. Then you have to be prepared to face the difficulties in your way. You child will be driven away sometimes with the opposite viewpoints but you have to make him find the right path.
Parting words
We hope you enjoyed reading the blog. Also, we have many more interesting pieces at podium blog. We would really love to see you again.
Till then, happy reading !
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