From a very young age, children get messages about what is expected of them depending on whether they are boys or girls: colours, toys, who is allowed to cry and who has to be strong. We often pass these on without realising, and they end up limiting children's choices.

What they gain

A child raised with equality can choose activities based on their interests rather than on what they are “supposed” to do. They learn to express every emotion, to care for others and to be cared for, and they build more respectful relationships. It is also one of the best ways of preventing violence in the future.

How to do it day to day

  • Share out household chores by age and not by sex, and let them see the adults doing them too.
  • Offer a variety of toys and stories. Building sets, dolls, balls and toy kitchens for everyone.
  • Watch the praise we give. Not always “how pretty” for girls and “how strong” for boys.
  • Validate everyone's emotions. Boys can be sad; girls can be angry.
  • Talk about what we see. When an advert or a series shows a stereotype, ask them what they think.

It is not about banning anything, but about widening the options. The example they see at home is the message that goes furthest.