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Daddies Do Dishes, Too
Teaching Nongender Roles to Children By Carma Haley
A child's interests do not adhere to boundaries placed on male or female roles. And neither should their talents. "Telling a child they cannot do something because it is not appropriate for their gender will tell that child that they are restricted," Berkeley says. "Restricting a child's interests is just as bad as confining them to a bed. They must be able to grow -- mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually in whatever direction they choose. A girl may not be able to play football on a professional team, but who's to say that her interest in football will not get her a job as a sports reporter?"
Parents may feel that if they allow their child to participate in activities meant for the opposite gender, they will be encouraging their child to develop the characteristic of that gender. "My son has two sisters: one older and one younger. He is surrounded by girls day after day. I don't let him play with dolls or toys meant for girls because I don't want him to become too feminine," says Carl Stell, a father of three from etersburg, Va. "I know it may sound silly, but there are a lot of fathers who feel this way. They are afraid of their son becoming too feminine and being picked on in school. Boys should be tough, play hard and get dirty."
