Unknowingly, you assign different tasks to your daughter and son from childhood. When you yourself do not consider your daughter equal to your son, how will they learn the lesson of equality?
Guests came to Bindra’s house. She immediately said to her daughter, “Juhi, put some tea on the stove.” Then she gave some money to her son Abhay and said, “Bring biscuits and packets of namkeen from the shop.” From childhood itself, we ask our daughter to do certain tasks and assign some tasks to our son.
If it is college fees or paying bills, then the son will go. If it is cleaning the house or preparing food, the daughter will do it. With this, as they grow up, we determine the roles of both.
This gap of discrimination gradually widens unknowingly, whereas the need is to make both complementary to each other, that is, if the daughter should be able to do work outside, then the sons should also not hesitate in cleaning and mopping the house.
If you have not paid attention to this yet, then think and create a sense of equality between daughter and son.
Same work from generation to generation
In most of the houses, it is the responsibility of father or sons to pay electricity bill, water bill, insurance policy installment. Women only serve as reminders for this work. This indirectly gives the message that these works are of men only.
On the contrary, if any guest comes, then tea will be made by daughter or mother only. Whether it is mother or daughter’s friends or father or brother’s friends. In such a situation, the message goes that these works are of women only. This goes on from generation to generation.
Let’s explore the dynamics of gender roles and how they persist across generations within households.
Gender Roles and Inherited Responsibilities
Historical Context:
- Traditionally, societies assigned specific roles to men and women based on gender norms.
- These roles often centered around domestic tasks, financial responsibilities, and social expectations.
Inherited Responsibilities:
- In many households, certain responsibilities are passed down from generation to generation.
- Examples include paying bills (often handled by men) and preparing tea (often done by women).
Implicit Messages:
- When fathers or sons handle financial matters, it reinforces the idea that these tasks belong to men.
- Similarly, when women serve as reminders or prepare tea, it perpetuates the notion that these are women’s roles.
Breaking the Cycle:
To challenge these stereotypes:
- Open Dialogue: Discuss responsibilities openly within the family. Question assumptions.
- Shared Tasks: Encourage both men and women to participate in various household chores.
- Equal Opportunities: Provide equal opportunities for learning and growth regardless of gender.
Changing Perspectives:
- As societies evolve, so should our understanding of gender roles.
- Teach the next generation that tasks aren’t inherently gender-specific.
Remember, breaking the cycle requires awareness, communication, and a commitment to equality. Let’s strive for a more balanced and inclusive approach. 🌟
Division of work
Children live alone in college hostels. Therefore, make your son develop the habit of washing clothes and send your daughter to work outside, so that she can understand public dealing.
We have to give these values to children through our behavior that any work can be done by son or daughter. No one should hesitate. For this, when we clean the house on holidays, ask the son to mop the floor.
Sometimes get the utensils cleaned by him. Make him develop the habit of washing his own clothes, because he has to stay alone in the college hostel. Neither his mother nor his sister will be there.
Similarly, send your daughter for any work outside. Whether it is getting a photocopy done, paying school fees or electricity-gas bill, any bank work or getting vegetables or any other item from the nearby shop.
This will not only give her new information but will also help her understand public dealing, because while staying in the hostel, there will be no brother or father to help her.
Why stop daughter from laughing?
If you give your son the freedom to laugh in happiness, then let him cry in sadness. Similarly, let your daughter also laugh openly.
A man is a man only when he is emotionally active, has feelings. But sometimes you stop your daughter from laughing loudly and sometimes you do not let your son cry. You rebuke him for crying like girls. You say that he is superior to girls by saying dialogues like ‘Men do not feel pain’.
Let your son also experience happiness and sorrow. You give him the freedom to laugh in happiness, and also let him cry in sorrow. These two emotions which appear as a reaction to any matter or incident are what make a man a human.
Similarly, let your daughter also express anger and laughter. Expressing emotions openly enhances her personality. The possibility of her being more cheerful in her future life increases.
It highlights the importance of allowing emotional expression in both sons and daughters. Let’s explore this topic in depth:
Gender Stereotypes and Emotional Expression:
Society often imposes different expectations on boys and girls. Boys are discouraged from crying or showing vulnerability, while girls may be told not to laugh too loudly or express anger.
These stereotypes limit emotional growth and perpetuate harmful norms. When we suppress emotions based on gender, we reinforce these biases.
Why Stop Daughters from Laughing?
Allowing daughters to express themselves freely, including laughing loudly, is essential. Laughter is a universal language that transcends gender boundaries.
By encouraging daughters to laugh openly, we acknowledge their right to emotional freedom. It breaks the mold of traditional gender roles.
Let Sons Experience Happiness and Sorrow:
This rightly emphasizes that both sons and daughters should experience happiness and sorrow. These emotions are natural reactions to life events.
When we allow sons to cry and express vulnerability, we promote emotional intelligence and resilience. Similarly, daughters should express anger and laughter without inhibition.
Enhancing Personality Through Emotional Expression:
Expressing emotions openly enhances personality. A cheerful and emotionally expressive person is likely to have healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
When we encourage emotional authenticity, individuals become more genuine and relatable. Suppressing emotions can lead to stress and other health issues.
Breaking Free from Gender Norms:
Let’s challenge societal norms and recognize that emotions are not exclusive to any gender. Men and women alike should be free to express themselves authentically.
By allowing emotional expression, we contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society.
In summary, promoting emotional freedom for both sons and daughters is crucial. Let’s break free from gender stereotypes and allow everyone—regardless of gender—to laugh, cry, and express themselves fully. 🌟
