Here are a few thoughts on children and gender roles:

I encourage parents to follow and support their childrens’ interests, independent of expected gender roles. There is a greater likelihood, in my experience, that a child will thrive in an area that interests him or her, than if they are pushed into roles solely because they are considered “gender-appropriate.”

Should your child choose activity that does not correspond to gender role expectation, I encourage parents to prepare their children for what they can expect in terms of reaction. I worked with a teenage boy who was interested, and talented in, fashion design. His parents prepared him for the backlash he may receive from other boys, as well as the support he would receive. He felt well-prepared for the insults and accusations, and handled them beautifully.

I think it’s a good idea for parents to encourage their children to try some roles and activities that are typically specific to the opposite gender. This tends to result in more open-mindedness, flexibility in thinking, and acceptance.