Discuss some ways to reduce gender stereotyping in young children

What will be an ideal response?

Answer: Because young children’s cognitive limitations lead them to assume that cultural practices determine gender, parents and teachers are wise to try to delay preschoolers’ exposure to gender-stereotyped messages. Adults can begin by limiting traditional gender roles in their own behavior and can provide children with nontraditional alternatives. For example, parents can take turns making dinner, bathing children, and driving the family car, and they can give their sons and daughters both trucks and dolls and both pink and blue clothing. Teachers can ensure that all children spend time in mixed-gender play activities and unstructured pursuits, as children’s behavior tends to be less gender-typed in these contexts. Finally, adults can avoid using language that conveys gender stereotypes and can shield children from media presentations that do so.
Once children notice the vast array of gender stereotypes in their society, adults can point out exceptions. For example, they can arrange for children to see men and women pursuing nontraditional careers and can explain that interests and skills, not sex, should determine a person’s occupation. Research shows that such reasoning reduces children’s gender-biased views. By middle childhood, children who hold flexible beliefs about what boys and girls can do are more likely to notice instances of gender discrimination. And a rational approach to child rearing promotes healthy, adaptable functioning in many other areas as well.