A child’s proper gender development can be fostered in numerous ways. A better grasp of the origins and development of gender identity is helpful.
If you could explain the distinction between gender and sex, what would it be?
For most kids, identifying as a male or a girl comes easily. Biological markers are used to determine whether a newborn is a boy or a girl. The “sex” of the child, or the gender to which the child has been biologically ascribed, is meant here. Similarly, the term “gender identity” describes an individual’s subjective sense of self that emerges from a complex interplay of genetics, socialization, and experience. It could be a man, female, or a mix of the sexes.
Similar to how a child’s physical body matures with time, the child’s sense of his or her own gender also evolves. The gender that most kids say they are coincides with their biological gender (sex). However, for some kids, the correlation between their birth gender and their actual gender is murky at best.
When and how do kids decide whose gender they identify with?
The formation of one’s gender identity often occurs in waves:
By the time they are two years old, most kids have figured out that there are distinct gender distinctions in appearance.
Most kids already know whether they’re boys or girls before they are three. The majority of children have a firm grasp on their gender identification by the fourth year of life.
Children also develop an understanding of what is expected of them in terms of gender roles throughout this time. Regardless of their final gender identity, it is usual for children to experience periods of cross-gender preference and play. For more on the positive effects of play on kids’ development, check out the book The Power of Play by Stuart Brown.
It’s important to remember that all kids, regardless of their background, eventually form a more solid sense of identity and gender. Research reveals that children who declare a gender-diverse identity know their gender as clearly and consistently as their developmentally matched peers and benefit from the same degree of support, love, and social acceptance.
Solutions for Parents:
All kids should be given the chance to play in a variety of settings where they can experience and learn from interactions with people of different genders and sexual orientations. As early as possible, parents should ensure their child is exposed to a world that celebrates and promotes equality for people of all genders. Here are some suggestions:
Books and puzzles aimed at kids that present male and female characters in roles that deviate from gender norms and celebrate diversity in sexual orientation and gender identity (stay-at-home dads, working moms, male nurses and female police officers, for example).
Toys such as baby dolls, play vehicles, action figures, blocks, and so on are available for your youngster to choose from.
By the age of 6, most kids have settled into playing primarily with those of their own gender and may be more inclined to participate in sports and other activities that are traditionally seen as male or female domains. When it comes to choosing their social circles, extracurricular activities, and other interests, children should be given ample freedom. Make sure your child is comfortable and happy by asking them about their preferences and addressing any teasing or bullying they may be experiencing.
In what ways do young infants generally demonstrate their sense of gender?
A child’s gender identification is often shown by the following behaviors, in addition to their preferences in playthings, activities, and sports:
Styles of dress or grooming
Nickname or Preferred Name
Interpersonal interactions displaying varied degrees of assertiveness, submissiveness, dependence, and kindness. Gender-specific markers of masculinity or femininity in one’s manner of speech, demeanor, and nonverbal communication. Friendships, including the sex composition of those friendships and the role models they choose to emulate.
The internal sense of being a girl, boy, in between, or anything else (i.e. gender identity) cannot be changed, but a child’s exposure to stereotypes and their connection with the people in their lives tends to influence their gender-specific behavior (i.e. gender expression) at any time.
When thinking about gender roles, how have you noticed any shifts over time?
The norms for “what girls do” and “what boys do” have shifted over time. It is well-known that many female athletes rank among the best in their fields. Girls are showing a growing interest in what have been historically considered “masculine.” fields. It’s not uncommon to find well-known men in “feminine.” industries like cooking, art, and music. The outdated and sexist notions of what constitutes “masculine” and “feminine” roles in raising a kid have been widely discredited in recent decades. The gender of one’s interests does not determine or affect their gender. Moreover, our capacity to foretell a child’s identity based on their early preferences is not very precise and may be damaging if it leads to shame or tries to repress their skills, talents, and actual self.
However, prejudice and bullying can still occur when a child’s interests and abilities don’t align with those of the majority. Parents’ gender-based expectations for their children and their desire to shield them from harassment and marginalization are only natural. Parents may play a crucial role in advocating for safe areas where their children can feel comfortable and good about themselves instead of pressuring them to submit to these pressures and limit themselves.
There are various paths your child can go to success, so don’t worry if they don’t show talent or enthusiasm in athletics. Each child, regardless of their gender identification, has unique talents that will serve as a foundation for their present and future success, even if they don’t always match societal or parental expectations.
Conclusion
All children go through the natural process of identifying and developing into their own gender. It’s only natural that some kids will act out differently; that’s how it is with every aspect of human health and behavior. However, in order to flourish and become productive members of society, children require the love and care of their families, communities, and schools.
