13 Gender-Related Stereotypes We Should Stop Teaching Our Kids

Gender roles evolved significantly in the past decades, and though a significant number of people still see gender-specific roles as a necessity, numerous real-life examples, not just research, proved them wrong. Regardless of where one adult stands on gender roles, there are some stereotypes that harm children, and therefore, they should be removed from classrooms and homes. 

Boys as protectors 

Instead of enforcing outdated and, in the case of children, potentially harmful ideas that boys should be protectors, kids of all genders should be encouraged to be protective of each other. Expecting a boy to protect someone can be a burden, putting girls in a position where they do not have to learn how to stand up for themselves.

All the girls are nice

By teaching girls to be friendly, polite, and agreeable, we teach them to be passive. This can lead to catastrophic future implications because these girls grow into women who believe they only deserve good things if they are nice. Instead, focus on educating young girls to listen to their emotions and determine their right to say no. 

Boys and dolls 

There is no reason for boys not to play with all toys, including Barbie dolls. It can be a great bonding play between girls and boys while teaching them to be nurturing. Additionally, by saying things like, “Boys don’t play with dolls,” you are limiting children’s natural curiosity while presenting them with an idea that makes no sense to them since their knowledge about genders is limited, at best. 

Girls are bad at math 

Generally, there had been a time when it was expected to believe that girls could not excel at math or physics. That has changed, and that’s why there are more women scientists than ever. However, they still face gender stereotypes because many still think women do not belong in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. Teaching children to follow their passions should not be influenced by their gender, and in this case, it only causes girls to question their abilities. 

Boys shouldn’t cry

Teaching boys that crying is bad or wrong only harms their development. It can lead to repressing emotions and difficulties dealing with them, resulting in difficulties forming more profound relationships. We should help boys understand and process their feelings and talk with them about what they’re going through without judgment.

Telling girls to smile 

Apart from teaching girls to be nice, polite, and often quiet, some people believe that telling girls to plaster on fake smiles is the norm. However, the pressure on girls to pretend they are happy can become a burden and deepen their self-esteem issues once they are tweens and teens. 

Boys are aggressive by nature

Aggression in men is linked to testosterone. However, this should not serve as a free pass for boys to attack and beat up each other. Additionally, aggression can be partially linked to genetics and the environment, so it is important to teach boys to use their words instead of fists. By using their words, boys are learning how to voice their emotions, regulate them, and become better at solving problems without getting physical. 

Be a pretty girl 

One UK study found that girls as young as seven start believing their worth is related to their looks. By the time they are 14, a quarter of girls exhibit symptoms of depression. Girls are prone to struggling with self-image and self-esteem because they are being taught they need to be a certain way to be “enough.” Some girls can be more intelligent than their male peers, and others can be more creative, but people still focus too much on their appearance, which does no one a favor, especially not to little girls. 

Girls should clean the kitchen

Teaching children responsibilities involves house chores. Typically, girls get “girly” jobs, like doing things in the kitchen, making sure their beds are always made, and basically continuing outdated gender roles. However, it robs them of learning other things instead of learning that every household member is equally responsible for the shared space. 

Boys should mow lawns 

Boys usually get “manly” jobs, like doing things in the garage or mowing lawns. However, the world’s most popular chefs are men, so there is no reason not to divide chores equally regardless of your children’s gender. Girls can bond with their fathers while working on a car, just as boys can benefit from time with their mom while learning how to make dinner. It will only help them further in life. 

Boys must be strong 

Telling boys they are strong and brave can negatively impact their lives. 70 US-based studies with 19,000 boys aged 11 and up found that the pressure to insist on masculinity prevents them from asking for help in regard to their mental health. All children will grow up to face similar issues, like grief, relationship troubles, or failure, so boys and girls should be taught how to be resilient, regardless of their gender. 

Boys will be boys 

Boys will be boys, which implies that there is only one way to be a “real” boy. This common saying, rooted in traditional masculinity, often leads to harmful behaviors toward themselves and others. It encourages boys to misbehave, and if, for example, a boy does not want to fight or is afraid of his bully, he will only get mocked. 

Girls will be girls 

Unlike boys, girls are expected to be bubbly, talkative, and emotional. Insisting on this stereotype only puts girls in a “box,” meaning all good girls should act similarly. It is also harmful to boys because it implies they can’t be emotional. 

We need to stop pushing children into gender roles 

We all want to raise happy, healthy, and resilient children. That’s why enforcing gender stereotypes can create more problems than solutions and leave kids unprepared for real life. They will realize their differences soon enough, but teaching them empathy, boundaries, and responsibilities will help them navigate the upcoming years more efficiently.  

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