The days of expecting little girls to play with dolls while little boys play with trucks and cars are long gone. Toy manufacturers and retailers alike have been moving away from pink and blue toy aisles for a few years already - and with good reason, apparently.
Despite scientific evidence seemingly pointing to the fact that gender-specific toys can be detrimental to young, impressionable minds it is important for parents, caregivers, and teachers to arm themselves with as much unbiased information as possible to ensure that they ultimately do what is best for the children. This includes offering them guidance, while also encouraging them to explore their own interests.
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Toys enforce a play style and interests
Dr. Elizabeth Sweet, sociologist and lecturer at the University of California explains that “Studies have found that gendered toys do shape children’s play preferences and styles. Because gendered toys limit the range of skills and attributes that both boys and girls can explore through play, they may prevent children from developing their full range of interests, preferences, and talents.”
The stereotyping we witness in traditional toy marketing is directly related to many of the biases adults experience later in life. For instance, certain toys and games can instill very clear perceptions in children about what jobs are best suited to boys and girls. As these children grow up, it becomes considerably more difficult to rise above these clichéd gender roles.
Biology does not dictate what a child likes
Although biology may dictate what some children gravitate towards, it definitely does not apply to all children. Every child is unique, and may very well display natural preferences that aren’t in line with typical gender expectations. For every girl that likes playing with her dolls, there is another one who would much rather spend time with a science kit or puzzle.
There should be no pressure on a boy to be manly and aggressive, or on a girl to be gentle and maternal. Unfortunately, by forcing children to play with traditional gender-specific toys, these stereotypes are enforced.
The gravitation toward toys must be natural
As much as gender-neutral toys are all the hype at the moment, it is important to not discourage children from playing with gender-specific toys either. If little girls naturally gravitate towards dolls and makeup, they should not be told that they are contributing to toxic stereotyping. The same applies to boys who enjoy making mud tracks for their toy cars or playing with their superhero figurines.
A child must always be allowed to naturally gravitate towards a toy. If a child already has a range of gender-specific toys, don’t throw them all out at once. Instead, start introducing gender-neutral toys systematically, allowing your children to be drawn to them in an unforced manner.
Gender-neutral toys boast many benefits
One of the greatest benefits of gender-neutral toys is the fact that they do not reinforce gender stereotypes in the same way gender-focused toys do. Instead, they encourage kids to explore their interests and discover what they like. These toys also introduce kids to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) at an early age. STEAM-based toys engage both sides of the brain when being played with.
This means that the left, logical side enjoys the same stimulation as the right, creative side. Additionally, gender-neutral toys also encourage experimental thinking. Children who play with gender-neutral STEAM toys from a young age are known to be increasingly inquisitive about the world around them.
Learning skills are enhanced
Gender-neutral toys can also help children to develop a range of key competencies that will benefit them well into adulthood. Memory games, puzzles, and science kits are superb at building problem-solving skills while building blocks and construction sets can give a child’s spatial skills a healthy boost. Playground equipment, magnetic tiles, toy kitchens, and doctor sets are all conducive to imaginative play and can also help establish enjoyable and beneficial hobby choices.
Physical gameplay with balls, hula hoops, and jump ropes can improve gross motor skills significantly. When it comes to fine motor skills, building interesting structures with Legos and engaging in arts and crafts are known to improve skills exponentially.
Although science may indicate that gender-specific toys are detrimental to children, it is not necessary to get rid of all the dolls and trucks in your household. Instead, simply encourage your children to play with whatever toy they want to play with, regardless of what it is.
