Gender role stereotyping and sexism are harmful to children. If they grow up thinking that girls are always docile and complying and boys are always tough and aggressive, they are not only hobbled making childhood choices but are also ill-prepared for adult life today.

Parents should model gender neutral behavior by sharing household tasks and assigning chores regardless of gender. Remember, your son may grow up to be a househusband and your daughter an astronaut. More important, parents should avoid coddling and over-protecting girls and allow boys to express their feelings, including crying, without criticism.

Parent Kids Right
Forced to think about gender specific toys, I have come to the following conclusions: toys are trivial compared to family attitudes and practices. What is important is that as parents we NEVER LIMIT a child's horizons because of OUR preconceived notions about what a boy or girl should like or do.