In this article I’m attempting to explore the fluky gender biasing in modern parenting.. Ok, before starting let me explain the situation which made me to do this post…While searching a present for my little girls 4th birthday, my husband who knew her wish chose a box with lot of cars..’What..racing car set for girls’?? this is what you might be thinking right…??Well, my pre-programmed mind also raised a similar concern!! And it took awhile for my mind to agree with them..!!
This kind of stereotyping begins from the the moment when we welcomes a newborn to this world..Some cases even before that..!! Blue for boys-Pink for girls..Racing cars for boys-Kitchen play set for girls..well, the color coding in hospitals make sense to certain extent. However, when we go behind the gender stereotyped toys without realising the clever marketing strategies, it seriously affects our kids psychological and physical development.

When we prefer a kitchen toy set for you girl child, you are unintentionally programming your kid that in a family system, cooking is the responsibility of a woman. Gender stereotyping matters when in the modern world where women acquire the role of the breadwinner and she is imposed with the household chores as well.
Recently, I happen to listen an interesting interview of a film actress, where she was asked about how she could manage both personal and professional life. And to my surprise she answered it by saying that, tonight she is going to ask the same question to all the men out there..!! Yes the statement delivered on social norms on sex discrimination was thought provoking. Sometimes this kind of discriminatory acts and words creates so much of melancholy and agony in a girl’s mind !!
Let me recall an incident from my own childhood. In our annual family meet event there used to session to congratulate the topper of any public examinations. To my knowledge, I was the topper in grade 10 public exams and was pampering my dreams of receiving the award for the merit. And to my disappointment, my name wasn’t called on the stage..Later I came to know the truth that, since I’m the daughter of a woman in the family, I can’t be considered for the award..!! Words are less to explain the feelings which passed through my little mind in those days..!
The gender stereotypes introduced in childhood are reinforced throughout our lives and become self-fulfilling prophesies. Most leadership positions are held by men, so women don’t expect to achieve them, and that becomes one of the reasons they don’t.
Sheryl Sandberg
In my opinion, it’s high time that we parents should have taken necessary actions to raise our kids as gender neutral to ensure gender equality in day-to -day life. Let’s have a look at what we can practice to swipeout the gender inequalities at least for the future generation.
1. Be a good role model for your kids : Share the household duties without hesitation. There’s no chores designed for a particular gender in a house. I know it’s hard for the male readers of this post. That’s how we were raised. However, just think about your kids future then you will feel better. We can also show them real life examples like a male nurse, a female pilot, a male chef or a female prime minister..

2. Say no to gender biased toys : I don’t think toys have a gender. When we force our kids to choose girls or boys toys, we unknowingly hinder the development of certain skills which may help your kids to succeed in their future. Our kids interest matters…!!So think twice before dressing up your girl as princess and boy as pirates for next halloween.

3. Say goodbye to Inky Pinky Pongies : When you buy kids stuff I always try to choose a neutral color of my kids…eg: Yellow bag, Ash Boots, Black stroller..!! And by doing this you could easily reuse your girls stuff for your boy.Don’t fall for the smart marketing tactics.

4. Try to accept the fact that Girl or Boy both are our kids: I have seen families keeping their girl child away from the family business and smartly handling over the business to boy child. Remember we discussed about this before as well( if you don’t link follows- https://lafemina.home.blog/2020/07/08/if-a-young-blogger-malala-can-why-cant-we-malala-day-2020/). Give them equal love and care.
I strongly believe that gender equality should begin from families, from the unbiased parenting of each parent..!! Have you faced any such kind of discriminations in this modern world…??What is your parenting style? Or do you unknowingly follow any such kind of biased parenting strategies.. Let me know your thoughts on the same in the comment section below….IF you like the post feel free to share..reblog..like..follow..!!


















