More parents in the United States are now bringing their children up outside of traditional gender norms. By raising kids outside of these norms, both boys and girls have the freedom to play with any toys they enjoy and wear clothing of their choice, regardless of typical gender expectations. Many people are curious about what makes this parenting style beneficial.
Allowing children to make their own choices helps them feel safer and more secure. Boys and girls can differentiate themselves based on their feelings rather than an assigned gender preference. Parents who adopt this approach believe it will help break the cycle of gender stereotypes for future generations.
This style of parenting started gaining attention back in 2011 when a couple outside Toronto, Canada, chose to raise their child, Storm, without assigning a specific gender. For those interested in this topic, there are blogs where parents share their experiences of raising children without traditional gender labels. They often talk about how their child is navigating the world without predefined gender roles.
One challenge that arises is how to integrate such a child into a world that largely operates on gender norms. It can be difficult for the child to maintain a gender-neutral identity unless they are in a community that embraces this way of living. Some parents worry that their child might become a target for bullying or feel excluded from certain activities and social circles.
A couple who are raising twins decided to embrace a gender-neutral approach as well. They found the traditional gender reveal concept problematic. Usually, by 20 weeks, the baby’s gender is known and they start forming a connection to their assigned sex. However, bringing the child into a world where gender is not predetermined allows them to develop their own gender identity and personality.
The debate continues on whether to raise children with specific gender identities or allow them to remain gender-neutral. Traditional gender reveals help parents prepare and feel comfortable with their incoming baby. However, many don’t realize that the colors and environments surrounding the child (like pink for girls and blue for boys) often influence their perception of themselves.
Research suggests that a child’s gender identity is closely linked to their environment. How we choose to decorate a nursery or the kinds of toys we provide can shape their understanding of gender roles and expectations.
