Gender neutrality, also known as the gender neutrality movement, is about breaking the roles from gender binary and exposing children to a variety of gender types and allowing children to explore for themselves.
For most people, they aim to simply bring up their children in an environment that is free from gender stereotypes. I know that there are still quite many parents out there who do not agree with this movement, but there isn’t really an adverse effect on parenting them this way. In fact, your child will be more open compared to their peers.
Will gender neutrality affect my child’s gender?
I understand that many parents will be worried if their child decides to change their gender or to be homosexual. But, according to research, the idea of homosexuality is the result of genetics and biology, but not because of the environment. Also, 85% of gender variance youth identify themselves as heterosexual in adulthood.
Now, let me tell you why it’s okay to raise your child gender neutrally.
#1. Higher self-esteem and identity
Often, most parents don’t see the benefit of raising children gender neutrally and trust me, it will pay off soon. As children, you gave them a chance to explore their interests and desires, and this is a good thing because the older they get, the better they understand themselves. Which in short, they will become confident as they grow. Therefore, as parents, we should ensure that our child has the best chances of being successful.
#2. They are more creative
Children who are raised in a gender-neutral environment tend to be more creative, artistic and outgoing. This might seem odd, but these children have been exposed to lots of colors. Colors play a big part when it comes to gender. Your child will not be limited by the color wheel, and they are able to think outside the box.
#3. Empathetic communication
A stronger parent-child bond will be created when parents are able to have conversations with their child in a non-judgemental way. This way of communicating with children creates a more empathetic child as they grow older. At this point, parents who have open conversations with their child will converse about masculinity and femininity and how it will shape their identities.
It doesn’t make them any less of a girl or a boy by liking something that is generally associated with the opposite sex. Your child will learn that they are able to communicate effectively with those who try to force them to conform to social stereotypes.
#4. Exposure
Children will no longer feel restricted or limited when they have the opportunity to explore more. Boys can learn how to bake, and girls can learn how to fix technical things. This will prepare them to live outside on their own.
#5. It’s their choice
Children do not have any idea on what their interests are when they are younger. This is why it’s important to expose them. It allows them to try out and learn different things until they find one that they are genuinely interested in.
Overall, focus on your child as an individual, even though there’ll be some differences between both genders. Focus on people as individuals, rather than princesses or heroes.
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