Blue or pink? Barbie or car? Why not both? 

In this episode, I'm getting personal and peeling back the layers on a topic that's close to my heart: gender stereotypes and playtime. I've encountered my fair share of preconceived notions about what it means for our little ones to play 'appropriately' based on their gender. But as the youngest child and only girl in my family, I’ve always had a different perspective on limitations imposed by gender. 

Sparked by my son's fondness for playing dress up and my mother’s comment about him becoming a cross-dresser, I did a deep dive into gendered toys, playtime, and the impact perpetuating gender stereotypes has on childrens’ development. 

We'll explore why it's crucial to let kids be kids, without the constraints of outdated gender stereotypes. Who says trucks are just for boys and dolls are solely for girls?

I like to take a more open-minded approach, where my children are free to explore and enjoy activities without the constraints of societal norms. If this resonates with you, you may enjoy some of the studies I found that provide insight into how our children will benefit for a lifetime from gender-neutral playtime. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• Debunking the concept of "gendered" toys and exploring the historical and societal factors that contribute to gender stereotypes in toys.

• Insights and challenges around traditional expectations placed on children's play based on their gender, and how this influences their development. 

• With the pressure on parents to shape our children’s perceptions of gender roles, how do we make sure we’re setting them up for success in life? 

If you’re looking for ideas on how to implement gender-neutral play, read my blog: 5 Practical Tips for Creating a Gender-Neutral Playroom.

Resources & Links:

• How did toys become gendered? Read the article by Megan Maas, assistant professor of human development and family studies at Michigan State University

• Pew Research Center 2017 study on gender differences 

• If you’re interested in learning more about development of gender identity, check this out

• More about Dr. Sneha John

• Judith Elaine Blakemore’s research covers gendered-type toys

• The Genius of Play poll

Connect with Christine:

• Follow on Instagram

• Check out my website

More about Momming as a Millennial podcast: 

Welcome to Momming as a Millennial, the podcast where we dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a millennial mom in today’s dynamic world. Join your host, Christine Giarrizzo, on this candid journey as we navigate the complexities of motherhood, from tackling outdated stereotypes, to embracing our individual parenting styles.

In each episode, we explore the intersection of tradition and modern parenting. We’ll look at unsolicited advice and internet noise, as well as gender roles and expectations handed down by our parents and grandparents, in order to find what resonates with our true, authentic selves.

Tune in for honest conversations, genuine stories, expert insights, and a supportive community that understands the unique circumstance of navigating parenthood as a millennial. Together we’ll rewrite the narrative, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the diverse voices that make up our generation.

Let’s redefine what it means to be a mama in the millennial era.

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