A child’s ability to express themselves is an innate right that belongs to all of them. That’s why gender-neutral toys are gaining more popularity and prevalence in many children’s development.
But what exactly are gender neutral toys, and why should we care?
We’ve put together a guide to answer exactly that. This will walk you through some of the best gender-neutral toys and why you should care.
What Are Gender Neutral Toys
There is no one answer to the question of what gender-neutral toys are. It really depends on each individual child and what they are interested in.
There are some children who are very interested in traditionally “girly” toys. These include dollhouses and baby dolls. There are some who are more interested in traditionally “boyish” toys like cars and trucks.
And then there are many children who are interested in both kinds of toys. The most important thing is to let children play with the toys that they are interested in. This is regardless of whether they are traditionally considered “male” or “female” toys.
What Are the Reasons Gender Neutral Toys Are Important
Now, hopefully, you understand more or less the idea behind gender-neutral toys. Here are now some of the reasons why gender-neutral toys are important for children and their contribution to childhood development:
Allowing Children to Explore Their Own Identity
Children should be allowed to explore their own identities and not be forced into any particular gender roles. One way to do this is to provide gender-neutral toys for children to play with.
This will allow children to explore their own interests without feeling constrained by societal expectations. For example, a child who loves to play with dolls can do so without feeling like they are doing something “for girls.”
This can help children feel more confident in their own interests and abilities and ultimately lead to a stronger sense of self.
Opening up Opportunities Previously Unavailable to Certain Genders
There are many dolls available on the market that are marketed as gender-neutral. This is a positive development as it allows children of all genders to explore a wide range of activities and occupations without the artificial barriers that have been put in place by society.
For example, a gender-neutral doll can be a doctor, a construction worker, or a chef. There are also now breakthroughs like the Mattel transgender barbie. This helps children to see that any career is within their reach, regardless of their gender. It also allows children to express themselves in a way that is not limited by traditional gender roles.
Reducing Toy-Related Discrimination and Harassment
There is a lot of discussion about whether or not children’s toys should be gender-neutral. The main argument for gender-neutral toys is that they can reduce toy-related discrimination and harassment.
If children are not taught that certain toys are only for boys or only for girls, they are less likely to discriminate against or harass those who play with “the other” kind of toy. This could lead to a more tolerant and accepting world for everyone.
Broadening the Scope of Toys Children Play With
Though some might argue that gender neutral toys are unnecessary, the reality is that they are important for a number of reasons. Hopefully, the reasons above helped you see these.
So, the next time you’re shopping for toys, be sure to keep an open mind and look for toys that any child would love, regardless of their gender.
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