GIVING KIDS' THE FREEDOM TO TAKE BIG STEPS
If I could wish for one thing for my children, it would be freedom…. freedom to be whoever they want to be… freedom to explore... freedom to express themselves…
As soon as I became a parent, I was much more aware of the unwritten rules society imposes on our kids today… And how those rules differed for boys and girls...
How they should dress...
What kinds of toys they should play with…
What kinds of characters they can identify with…
The unfiltered message being absorbed by our kids, is that there are limits and restrictions around what they can hope for and aspire too. Society places expectations on how they should behave and conform and these expectations continue and amplify into our adult lives…
Boys are told they should be strong, brave and adventurous rather than being able to express themselves or show emotion. Girls feel they should be kind and gentle, and therefore grow into women who feel scared to speak up.
Being a parent is a continual challenge, and we have enough pressure as it is… but Iets be more thoughtful about the messages we give our kids… that nothing is off limits for them… that their interests can be broad… that all types of play are for them, whether it’s dressing up or messing up… and that it is good to talk about our feelings, and shouldn't be a sign of weakness.
And find resources that align with your views….
Thea Chops books by Suzanna Hemming publishes inspiring kids books which challenge outdated stereotypes.
“Words are powerful, and the messages we send to our children now, will form their characters and stay with them forever”.Matt Haig writes brilliantly for older kids about being true to yourself… His openness about his own mental health as a man is refreshing and empowering.
“ If you aim to be something you’re not, you will always fail. Aim to be you. Aim to look and act and think like you. Aim to be the truest version of you. Embrace that you-ness. Endorse it. Love it. Work hard at it. And don’t give a second thought when people mock it or ridicule it.”Also, there is a brilliant Ted Talk by Reshma Saujani called “Teach girls bravery, not perfection” which I recommend you all watch…
- The Midnight Library
Lets give little feet the freedom to take big steps...
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