What’s the first thing you see in this photo that YOU THINK is wrong? (No we are not going to a dress up party.) I’m dressed as a tradie, if you didn’t know me, that could be my job. Abigail is wearing black and skulls and skeletons. Which she could have picked out all on her own. Why is your son in pink? I can dress him however I want. If Axel could choose what he wanted to put on, I would allow him to dress up as a princess (if that’s what he wanted).
Now I have a question. Why is it that if Abigail was dressed as a super hero, police officer or tradie no one would bat an eyelid! But, if Axel was dressed up as a princess or a fairy people would do a double take? Honestly he is my son not yours and who gives a shit? Here is a news flash for those who are wondering why some young boys aged 12month- 3yrs+ want to dress in a fairy/princess costume or in their mum’s heels – Who are their number one role models? Mum and Dad. What don’t they get to wear? Dresses and pretty shoes! So naturally being children they will want to wear what they don’t usually get to; let’s face it! Glitter dresses and shoes are pretty enticing especially for any kid!
This doesn’t just go for boys. Girls want to dress like their Dads too. My daughter loves wearing my husband’s work helmet and work boots. Kids just want to be able to do what adults are doing. Just because a little boy dresses up as a princess or a little girl dresses in a superman costume DOES NOT mean that they will grow up and be a homosexual. But why does it even matter if your child grows up to be a homosexual? Who really gives a shit! As long as they are happy and loved, that is all that should matter! Plus if they are homosexual they can get married now, so happiness and love all around.
Just let your kids be kids and experience what they want and new things! You could probably tell that I am an advocate for gender equality. I do not agree however with this silly idea that gender specific toys, books and dress ups need to be removed from early childhood centres and schools! My husband and I had this conversation on the weekend. He heard this topic on the radio and I have heard it also. The idea of ‘banning’ superhero dress ups, dolls, and certain books. This is downright ridiculous. Dress ups, toys and colours are only gender stereotyped if YOU make them.
As an early childhood educator I have been taught not to gender stereotype or stereotype in any shape or form. This is actually stated in our code of ethic: In relation to the child I will, ensure that children are not discriminated against on the basis of gender, sexuality, age, ability, economic status, family structure, lifestyle, ethnicity, religion, language, culture, or national origin. Also it is in the United Nations Cnvention on The Rights of a Child Article 3: All organisations concerned with children should work towards what is best for each child. Article 14: Children have the right to think and believe what they want and to practise their religion,as long as they are not stopping other people from enjoying their rights. Parents should guide children on these matters.
I have an idea! How about instead of getting rid of things and being so damn sensitive and dramatising everything, we take a minute out of our day to teach our children that colours are colours that don’t belong to anyone. Anyone can play with dolls, trucks or even in the dirt! Teach our kids acceptance, empathy and love. None of this superficial shit of what type toy a kid is playing with. Are you really that okay with telling your child they cannot do something because they have the wrong body part? Could you imagine someone telling you when you were little that you couldn’t be whatever you wanted because you were a boy or a girl? This problem starts at home and with us humans, our beliefs and values. There might be some stuff in the education system, but I am unaware of this at the moment.
I know not everyone is going to agree with me on this one and that is your own right. We all have different opinions and this is mine. I just wanted to share my point of view, and maybe it might help others think from this perspective too. We just need more love and acceptance in this crazy world.
Hey, I’m Sarah! ( the toughest gig). Child care educator, Wife and Mum of two, Abigail (4…going on 16) and Axel (7 months). Mum life is hard and that’s okay. We are only human!
