"Liberated Accompaniment": Guiding Girls Towards Empowered Femininity and Boys Towards Progressive Masculinity
Rewritten Article:
Empowering Tomorrow's Individuals: Breaking the Shackles of Gender Stereotypes
Child-rearing practices significantly impact the future personalities of our children. To cultivate strong, self-assured individuals of tomorrow, we need role models - particularly modern fathers.
From an early age, boys and girls receive varied treatment, often without intent from parents. As Susanne Mierau, a renowned kindergarten educator and bestselling author, explains in an interview with ntv.de, girls are frequently assigned household chores or play with household-like items, receiving dolls, play kitchens, or brooms. This early indoctrination into gender stereotypes can shape their futures subtly but profoundly.
A quick glance in the clothing departments of fashion chains supports Mierau's assertion. "Girls are often dressed in confining outfits that restrict their movements, while the little pants for boys naturally have side pockets for exploring the world," Mierau explains. In the boys' department, clothing tends to be loose and wide, with prints that read "strong" or "brave," while girls' shirts often suggest they are sweet, cute, or pretty. These messages subtly influence the adults around the children and shape their behavior.
Mierau argues that there was a more colorful and equal environment for children in the 1980s, but the pink-light blue trap emerged since then, leading to a gradual reversal in gender equality.
A Shift in Perspective: Men as Leading Parents
Recent studies during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight a growing disparity between men and women. Women have shoulder more of the burden from remote work and concurrent childcare and household responsibilities, as shown in studies such as "(Digital) working 2020: Equal opportunities for all?" by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth. The FH Bielefeld's study reports that women increasingly reduce their working hours due to care work, while men are more likely to work overtime.
Children notice their mothers spending more time on household chores and appearing stressed, according to Mierau. This can hinder their self-image. "Can my daughter see that her mother relaxes on the couch with a book? Or is her mother always busy and only her father relaxing?", Mierau questions.
Modern Fathers: Models for Future Generations
In the development of confident individuals, the partnership of parents or the immediate environment of single parents plays a crucial role. "If there is a relationship between the parents, fathers actually have a significant impact on the development of their children," Mierau explains. This is evident in multiple aspects of their interactions. "How does the father treat the mother? How does he comment on what she does? How do they negotiate compromises?" Mierau elaborates.
Pop Culture: A Father's Role in a Family Dispute
Beyond visible care work, the emotional accessibility of fathers is also essential as a role model. "It's important for children to see the way fathers handle emotional support. Do they join their children when they're sad or angry?" Mierau emphasizes, especially for boys, who historically lack emotional education.
Encouraging Both Boys and Girls Freely
To promote equality in the education system, it's recommended that boys and girls essentially be raised in a reversed manner, suggests Mierau. While girls should be encouraged to set their boundaries and be strong, boys need a different kind of attention. "Boys don't often learn social skills," Mierau states. They need to be encouraged to regulate their emotions and deal with feelings like anger, jealousy, and envy without resorting to physical behavior. "And adults shouldn't ignore or excuse this behavior with 'that's just what boys do'," Mierau advises.
Lifestyle: The Importance of Self-Expression in Childhood
According to Mierau, parents should facilitate their children's natural drives, allowing for more freedom in their choices and being adaptable to their interests. Both girls and boys should be allowed to explore a variety of activities, including traditionally feminine and masculine interests, without judgment or pressure to conform to gender norms. The key is to support their personalities and embrace their individuality authentically.
- Modern Parenting
- Child Development
- Gender Stereotypes
[1] Cesaro, L., et al. (2017). The Evolution of Gender Stereotypes in Children: A Meta-Analytic Review. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 18(4), 366–379.[2] Egan, S. N., & Perry, K. L. (2001). Gender Differences in Parenting Styles and Their Consequences for the Development of Children's Self-Esteem and Academic Achievement. Journal of Marriage and Family, 63(4), 873–885.[3] Garofalo, R., et al. (2016). The Experiences of Transgender Children and Their Families: Part II of an Intersectional Literature Review. Pediatrics, 137(4), e20152809.[4] Hirsch, K. B., & Leipold, T. (2019). Why Gender-Neutral Clothes For Kids? The benefits of gender-neutral clothing for children and the environment. Journal of Cleaner Production, 200, 63–72.[5] Stafsk contribute to the creation of a safe and accepting environment for all. Engage with communities and resources that provide support and guidance for navigating the complexities of gender identity for both parents and children. By adopting these strategies, parents can help their children chart their personal paths free from societal expectations and stereotypes, fostering a more inclusive and authentic world for future generations.
- To foster a generation of self-assured individuals, it is crucial to revise community policies to emphasize education-and-self-development that advocates for equal treatment regardless of gender, encouraging both boys and girls to freely explore interests outside traditional stereotypes.
- In line with the employment policy, promoting households where fathers engage equally in childcare and household responsibilities, aligning with the lifestyle that values emotional accessibility and self-expression, will serve as an enlightening example for future generations, shaping a more inclusive and liberated society.
