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Why It’s Important for Boys to Play with Girl Toys Too
Hey there! Let’s dive into a conversation about toys and how they shape our kids from a young age. A professor from Cambridge, Dr. Emily Hart, recently pointed out that toy manufacturers often market items specifically to boys or girls. She argues that traditional girl toys tend to promote more passive play, while boy toys spark creativity and imagination. It’s an interesting take, especially when she notes that combing Barbie’s hair, for instance, is often seen as less engaging compared to building with Lego or Meccano.
But hold on a minute—let’s rethink the notion of “passive.” Is combing hair really passive? It’s an active task! Maybe what Dr. Hart really means is that it promotes caretaking, which, unfortunately, isn’t as highly valued in our society as engineering or tech skills. If it were, caregivers, nurses, and even hairdressers would earn as much as some tech innovators out there.
Reading her thoughts brought back memories of my childhood, where I would spend hours brushing the hair of my favorite dolls. I also recall moments spent caring for my family members when they were unwell. I grew up as an only child, but I’ve seen many families where caregiving roles often fall to women. It’s clear that from an early age, society nudges girls towards caregiving through toys like nurse kits and beauty sets. But what about the boys? They’re often left out of this nurturing narrative.
This creates a cycle that needs to change. Girls are encouraged to pursue undervalued professions like social work, and when they do venture into more prestigious fields like science and engineering, they often struggle to balance family obligations due to a lack of support. Meanwhile, men in demanding careers may have partners or nannies to handle family responsibilities, which can perpetuate the undervaluation of caregiving roles. This imbalance leads to fewer women in high-paying STEM fields and a lack of female role models for future generations.
Thankfully, companies like Target are starting to eliminate gender labels from toys, which is a fantastic move! Research suggests that kids are more inclined to play with toys not labeled by gender. We need to encourage all children to explore a variety of toys, whether it’s Snap Circuits or nurse playsets, without labeling them as “for boys” or “for girls.”
It’s vital that we change this narrative. We need to instill a love for both caregiving and creative problem-solving in all kids. This way, we can help create a society that values a mix of skills—nurturing, science, art, and more. Such a combination not only leads to fulfilling careers but also fosters well-rounded individuals.
Want to learn more about this topic? Check out our other blog post on home insemination, and for more insights on the journey to motherhood, visit Make a Mom. For additional information on pregnancy, the CDC has a great resource available here.
Summary
Toys play a crucial role in shaping children’s skills and interests. Encouraging boys to engage with traditionally “girl” toys can help break down stereotypes and foster a balanced appreciation for caregiving and creativity. This shift is essential not only for individual growth but also for building a more equitable society.