By Jingyuan Sun, Fanshawe College, Early Childhood Leadership. Jingyuan wrote this during her Parents2Partners internship. She believes strong leaders and educators build positive connections with colleagues and families so children can grow up healthy.
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Early childhood is when children form many of the attitudes and beliefs that shape their lives, including ideas about what boys and girls “should” do. When educators move past gender stereotypes, every child is free to explore their interests and talents.
Why it matters
- Equal opportunity. Every child can learn, play, and grow without being limited by expectations.
- Freedom to explore. Boys can enjoy dolls and art, and girls can dive into sports and science, so children develop a broader sense of who they can be.
- Empathy and social skills. Playing and learning with all classmates builds understanding, compassion, and the ability to work through disagreements.
- Readiness for the real world. Children learn to respect differences and collaborate with people from all backgrounds.
Tips for teachers and families
- Offer a wide range of toys, books, and materials so children can follow their interests.
- Watch your language and avoid phrases like “that’s a boy toy.”
- Encourage interests, not expectations. Invite children into activities because they enjoy them.
- Be a role model by showing that people of every gender can do all kinds of activities and jobs.
- Use inclusive language when speaking to the whole group, such as “friends” or “everyone.”
- Celebrate differences in cultures, customs, and perspectives.
- Keep conversations open and welcome children’s questions with respect.
- Partner with families by sharing resources and ideas for home.
- Keep learning through professional development and current research.
When we help children see beyond stereotypes, we raise open minded, compassionate, confident learners.