The Hidden Power of Rejecting Gender Roles Early On

From baby clothes at the local market—rows of soft pink for girls and electric blue for boys—to dolls lined up on one shelf and race cars on another, our world whispers silent instructions about who should like what. Even in families, those whispers can turn into loud pronouncements: 'Girls sweep this way' or 'Boys don’t cry.' But these artificial boundaries aren’t built into our biology. They’re learned, reinforced with every 'that’s for boys' or 'you must do this because you’re a girl.'

One primary school teacher recounts the puzzled look on a boy’s face when he asks if he can knit in club class. The child can’t find a logical reason why knitting should be off-limits. The moment the teacher agrees, more students—boys and girls alike—gather around, breaking the invisible wall of roles. When a girl confidently chooses to fix a broken toy or a boy asks to help in the kitchen, they’re practicing skills, not performing gender.

Research in social and developmental psychology shows that providing children with mixed opportunities and avoiding gendered expectations allow them to develop real independence and self-confidence. They are more likely to pursue interests genuinely, learn resilience through new challenges, and develop empathy for others whose paths differ from their own.

Every day this week, take a moment to listen for any gendered words or expectations that crop up around you or your family—at school, home, or in your own mind. Each time you find one, challenge it by reframing the reason for a task or choice based on ability or preference instead. Offer a variety of activities, from crafts to sports, and let kids try them all, celebrating their curiosity and efforts rather than the label. When a child shows interest outside traditional gender lines, praise their courage to explore. Start now, and watch confidence and creativity blossom without boundaries.