World · Latin America · 1 hr ago
Families let children choose toys beyond gender stereotypes
Several families are letting children choose toys and activities without sorting them into “for boys” or “for girls.”
The examples include a boy who dances ballet and plays with dolls, and girls who prefer cars, balls or superhero costumes.
Parents say they want children to explore what interests them rather than follow assumptions about gender.
A UNICEF report says gender expectations begin in early childhood, shaping how children are encouraged to play and express emotions.
A psychologist quoted in the story says questioning these divisions can help respect each child’s individual tastes.
The story says varied play can broaden children’s experiences and avoid reinforcing stereotypes about girls’ and boys’ roles.
The families described are continuing to offer different options and allow children to decide what they enjoy.
Families described allowing children to choose toys and activities without limiting them by gender stereotypes.
Parents said children’s interests included ballet, cars, football, dolls and costumes associated with different genders.
Psychologist Lu Farcetta said questioning assumptions about which play is appropriate can help children explore their individual tastes.
A UNICEF report cited in the article says gender distinctions and expectations begin in early childhood.
- Who
- Families and children described in the Folha article, alongside psychologist Lu Farcetta.
- What
- Families are letting children choose toys and activities beyond gender stereotypes.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- To let children explore their interests without assumptions about gender or identity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Do boys dance ballet, Mom?
To this day I’m terrible at math, and I think it has a lot to do with not having played games that stimulate logical reasoning.
I’d get a note in the school diary saying ‘Bento played with dolls with his friends today,’ because the school he attends doesn’t set limits for the children, doesn’t leave only the boys playing football and the girls playing with dolls.
We end up disrespecting the child’s tastes by forming the idea of the gender that child has to be.
He chose pink Skye shoes and danced ballet at home with his mother.
Her mother let her choose how to play, and Olivia preferred Spider-Man and Super Mario costumes to princess costumes.
His family began offering him different kinds of toys after noticing his play at school.
- Dante
- 3 years old
- Olivia
- 5 years old
- Bento
- 2 years old
- Lu Farcetta
- Psychologist
- UNICEF report
- Gender and violence: prevention and response
Sources
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