Promoting Diversity of Interests
By: Dexter Patching and Madalyn Johnstone
Embedded Files
What is Sexism?
What is Sexism?
Sexism is the belief about the fundamental nature and the roles one should play in society based on one's sex. This leads to discrimination and prejudice. In addition to this, people often assume a person's gender based on the sex they perceive a person to be and hold the same beliefs about the person's gender as they do their sex. While a person's sex has to do with their biology, gender is something that's created by our society, language, and culture. While many people align gender with sex, this is a "shortcut" way of thinking and is not representative of all the ways that people think about gender and their identity.
Our site encourages you to explore identity and interests with your child without the barriers of sexism and stereotypes.
We Like What We Like!
We Like What We Like!
Come join us in We Like What We Like! as we introduce you to a lively bunch of critters with different interests! Our animal friends may not have the interests you think they should, illustrating that people's interests may not always fit what you believe they should be. Explore all of the interests our animal friends have to offer, and in turn, we will ask you and your children...
What do you like to do?
Discussion Guide For the Parents
Discussion Guide For the Parents
What is Gendered Parenting?
Gendered parenting is defined as the messages children receive from their parents related to how boys and girls should and should not behave. As parents, you hold considerable influence over your children. Your child will receive the implicit and explicit ways in which you discuss gender.
What is Gender Typing?
Gender typing is the association of specific characteristics, behaviors, values, and activities with one sex or the other that conforms to cultural stereotypes. Adults primarily do it, though many aren't even aware they are doing it. Children will often form their gender identities based on gender typing because of its prominence in society. This usually constricts children to the stereotypes pushed by society and their parents, limiting their self-expression.
Gender Diversity versus Androgyny
There is nothing wrong with a person choosing to be androgynous. Still, it doesn't have to be forced onto anyone in the same way that masculinity and femininity shouldn't be forced on anyone. Rather than eliminating gender from society, encourage diversity within gender. Allow space for your children to have diverse interests and characteristics, even when they don't fit into what's typical for their gender.
Nurture Self Expression
Nurture opportunities for self-expression, such as creating art, picking out an outfit, playing games, or making music. Don’t push your children to be interested in something or behave a certain way just because that is typical for their stereotypical gender. Please encourage your child to ask questions as you read and ask them about their interests and characteristics. Help your child explore who they are without the barriers of gender typing.
Be Aware of the Language You Use
Avoid language that infers stereotypes, such as “Suck it up” to a young boy who is crying, which implies that boys are not allowed cry. Children are influenced by the verbal cues that those around them give, so when talking about others around your child, focus on the individual instead of making generalizations based on gender. To avoid furthering gender stereotypes, using specific language rather than generic language when talking to children is best. Not only does this prevent making generalizations, but it also improves children's self-confidence.
The Importance of Narrative
The Importance of Narrative
Reading with your children is so much more than just conveying a story. Storytelling elements like pausing to ask questions, using silly voices for characters, and acting out parts of the story all create a meaningful experience that the child will internalize and remember. While reading this book, try asking your child questions about their own identity and allow them to just be them. Read some tips and dialogue on how to approach this below:
Ask your child/children what they like to do
When doing this, avoid making judgments about their interests and check your biases before your reply. Instead, encourage them in their interests and even offer to join them in those interests sometime.
Try asking your child if they have similar interests and characteristics to the characters in the book:
"Do you like music? What kind of music do you like?"
"What would you make for your friends? Would you bake for them or paint them a picture?"
"Are you confident like the badger? Are you curious like the dog?"
Encourage them that they have these characteristics if they seem unsure or that they can have these characteristics even if they think they can't.
Remember that young children play pretend in a variety of genders, occupations, and even species (as anyone whose child has ever declared themselves a kitty will recognize). Asking kids who announce that they are now a dog/astronaut/boy, “What does that mean to you?” is encouraging (rather than saying, “That’s silly”), and it helps children feel safe telling you about their feelings and identity.
In this essay, learn about children's cognitive development and the power narratives have on that process.
In this essay, learn about the ways children develop language and the influence that you as a parent (or caregiver) have over their development process.
About the Authors
About the Authors
Dexter Patching
Dexter Patching
Dexter is an undergraduate student at Pacific University. He is in his fourth year, pursuing a degree in Music Therapy, with a minor in psychology.
Madalyn Johnstone
Madalyn Johnstone
Madalyn is an undergraduate student at Pacific University, completing her fourth year. After spending three years pursuing a degree in Music Therapy, she discovered her passion for helping young children grow and discover their own passions. She will now pursue her teaching license in Washington and spend more time with her dog, Blu.
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