Boys can be mommies

This week I want to discuss gender and how it still dictates so many aspects of life especially in the classroom. Early on people influence the way a child behaves based on their gender. Why? Because we were once influenced to categorize what makes a male, male and what makes a female, female. At an early age children are experimenting with their image and emotions. For example boys will play mommies. This act makes many adults uncomfortable because they are taking an innocent activity and giving it adult ramifications. Another example is when two children the same age but, opposite gender play house and the boy is the dad and the girl is the daughter. Again the adults have emotional reactions and put a stop to this caring gesture. They say that she needs to learn to be a strong woman and not rely on men but, these children are not yet men or women.

We wonder why boys behave the way they do and yet we don’t see the connection that displays how we have shaped them to not be sensitive. Or to be rough and rambunctious; we have shut down tenderness and caring so quickly they couldn’t even see what hit them. As for girls we want then to be dainty and lady like and strong and independent. These gender issues are so prevalent and this is why we discuss. Why can’t boys be sensitive? What can’t girls be smart? Why do we as adults feel the need to pass on our categories? I for one know that my categories are changing. Boys can be mommies and girls and be tomboys as long as they are allowed to work it out for themselves.

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