I am I raising my son and daughter equally? This is something I often ask myself. Even though my children are still young and they may not object to a lot of things I tell them or ask them to do, the fear of being not equal to them is constantly on my mind.
I am a firm believer in Gender Neutral Parenting. Now, especially, when I have a daughter and a son, I have to put a conscious effort to stay neutral. Be it the toys, or the games, or their bedsheets, I try to keep everything unbiased towards any of the gender. I want to bring up my children in an environment where they get fair and equal treatment in our house.
So, how do I go about it?
It starts with us – parents! In our home, we make sure that we don’t differentiate between them. For us, our daughter and son are equally strong and also, fragile. Physically and Emotionally.
We start by assuring and reassuring them that we love them equally and we don’t have favourites. We try our best to calm down their insecurities.
I ask both of them to help me with chores. My son is just 4 and he helps me by keeping his toys back in the basket, keeping his favourite book back on the shelf and other minor housekeeping tasks. He enjoys these small activities that we do together.
I try my best to give equal time to both of them and also ensure that I give time exclusive to each of them.
I let them share their emotions. I never say that boys shouldn’t cry. Why shouldn’t they? Rather, why can’t they?
Why is it important to raise your children equally?
I am raising my son and daughter equally so that they think for themselves equals and respect each other and everyone around them equally.
I want them to choose their education and career on the basis of their capabilities and not gender.
I want them to become equal partners and parents later in life.
They should feel equally responsible for their families. No more, no less.
I really wish and hope I am able to achieve this. It’s not easy being a parent to a son and daughter together.
It starts at home
As parents, it’s our responsibility to treat our kids equally. Not only equal but also being fair to them. I involve my kids in age-appropriate home chores. They gladly help because they feel like grown-ups and are very enthusiastic for the next task.
For instance, my daughter helps her father in polishing their shoes and my son loves to help me in putting laundry for washing. And this is a substantial and a conscious effort to make our children feel equal.
The main idea being – are we teaching our sons what we are teaching our daughters? I believe that in order to bring equality in the household, sons must also be equally capable of sharing the chores without hesitations. They should have the knowledge and the attitude for helping in the household.
Let me know what you think about this?
Like it? Share it!
