"Complementary Companionship": Guidance on Raising Women of Strength and Men of Modern Times
Empowering Parents, Empowering Future Generations
Child-rearing isn't one-dimensional, and parental role models, especially modern fathers, play a significant part in shaping children for the better. Although gender stereotypes are still prevalent, toppling them will lead to a brighter future.
In the early years, boys and girls are typically treated differently, sometimes unconsciously by parents. For instance, girls are often exposed to household chores and toys that support traditional gender roles, while boys receive clothing that boosts their adventurous side. Susanne Mierau, a renowned educator, believes this early treatment can affect children's development and self-perception in the long run.
Clothing Departments: A Mirror to Stereotypes
Even a casual glance at fashion chain departments emphasizes this segregation. Girls are often given tight-fitting garments that hinder movement, while their pants lack pockets for exploration. Boys' clothing is loose-fitted, filled with words like "strong" and "brave," complete with pockets and accessories for magnifying glasses or flashlights. The phrases on girls' clothing, on the other hand, often revolve around sweetness and prettiness.
A Much-Needed Paradigm Shift
In her best-selling book, "New moms for rebel girls," Mierau advocates for breaking traditional gender stereotypes and fostering strong, confident women. Growing up in the 1980s, children's clothing was more colorful, and boys and girls were dressed similarly, she recalls. Since then, Mierau notes a slight regression, but she remains optimistic about change.
Equal Partnership: Vital for Children's Self-Image
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a widening gap between men and women, with women shouldering more home office work and childcare[1]. Children recognize when their mothers are overburdened, which can negatively impact their self-image. It's essential for children to see equality between parents, says Mierau, questioning if children can see their mothers resting and relaxing.
The Influence of Parental Relationships
Relationships within the family unit play a substantial role in a child's development. Mierau explains that fathers have a crucial impact on children, influencing their personality development through everyday situations[2]. This influence can be seen by observing how fathers treat their partners, comments on their actions, and negotiate compromises.
Emotional Accessibility: A Necessary Role Model
Emotional accessibility is an essential aspect of fatherly influence. Children learn emotional management from their fathers. It's vital for fathers to handle emotions like sadness and anger with their children, particularly for boys, as emotional education historically hasn't been their forte[3].
Guiding Freedom for Children
To foster equal opportunities, boys and girls should essentially be raised in reverse, according to Mierau. Instead of limiting explorations based on gender, it's essential to allow children the choice to dive into any interest and react flexibly to their preferences. This approach supports children in developing their personalities, regardless of traditional gender assignments.
Gender stereotypes can place constraints on children's growth and potential. By breaking these stereotypes and fostering an inclusive environment, modern fathers can help children develop a strong sense of identity and self-confidence. Active engagement, encouraging independence, and positive role modeling from fathers are significant contributors to this process.
[1] Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women, and Youth. "Digital Working 2020: Equal Opportunities for All?" (2020).[2] Tübingen University. "The Importance of Fathers in their Children's Lives".[3] APA PsyNet. "Improving Emotional Intelligence in Boys".[4] American Psychological Association. "Understanding the Benefits of Early Childhood Education".[5] National Association for the Education of Young Children. "The Importance of Gender Inclusive Play".
- To combat the influence of gender stereotypes in children's development, Susanne Mierau suggests reversing traditional roles in child-rearing, allowing children the freedom to explore interests without constraints based on gender.
- Mierau emphasizes the importance of fathers being emotionally accessible and handling emotions like sadness and anger with children, particularly for boys, as emotional education hasn't typically been their forte.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the widening gap between men and women, with women shouldering more home office work and childcare. Children recognize when their mothers are overburdened, which can negatively impact their self-image.
- The relationships within the family unit play a substantial role in a child's development. Fathers have a crucial impact on children's personality development through everyday situations, influencing their emotional management and ability to handle various roles in life. By fostering strong, confident women and promoting equality between parents, children can develop a strong sense of identity and self-confidence.
