My son wants to paint his nails, will I let him?
You have noticed that your child likes to paint his nails and it is something that worries you, what should you do about it?
Fortunately, times are changing, which a few years ago seemed unthinkable for society, and today it seems that there are not so many impediments. Prejudices are fading and people are more and more free to be how they really want to be. If it is true that there is still a sector of the population that continues with a marked intolerant vision. Today we are going to try to demystify the gender roles that have been imposed on the youngest over the years.
A frequent phrase, and that surely we have also heard at some point in our closest circle, is that of “this toy is for girls, you one for boys” or “pink is for girls and blue for boys”. With almost total security, these types of comments, which are sometimes formulated in the most innocent way, are not delivered in a bad way, a situation and a vision that we already have to banish is being normalized. Children are children, they want to play and have fun, just enjoy themselves, such comments can confuse the little ones .
Index
CAN WE LET A CHILD PAINT HIS NAILS?
Nail painting is one of the activities that can attract the attention of the little ones the most, everything that is related to costumes or playing at being older, they will also want to do it, because they love it. Many parents worry when their son asks them to paint their nails or see that their daughters prefer to play with cars rather than dolls, but it is the most normal thing and we must combat the stereotypes that have been imposed on us over the years.
Children enjoy discovering new games and activities, which leads them to get to know themselves and learn about everything that surrounds them. Therefore, if our son, nephew or cousin asks us to paint their nails or do any activity or game that a priori has been attributed to one gender or another, we have to contribute to demolishing those beliefs and let the children have fun, always educating in values , such as respect and tolerance .
It is important to make them see that if at some point they feel offended, the problem is not theirs, because they are not doing anything wrong, to teach them that you have to know how to respect the tastes and preferences of others. Of course, according to professionals in the psychological field, it is important that parents establish certain limits , that is, for example, if our son or daughter wants to go to school with painted nails, tell them that they can do it on the weekend or during holidays, but that in the school you have to go with the right clothes, just as it would not be convenient for us to let them go to school in disguise .
It is important to explain to them in a close and simple way how the society in which we live works, in which there are multiple types of people, tastes and even families , in which, as we said, tolerance must prevail; respect and be respected. Many times as adults we have to do an exercise in empathy and awareness and put ourselves in the shoes of the little ones, trying to understand their world from a more adult perspective .
There is still the belief, although less and less, that children will have a certain sexual orientation depending on how they dress or what they play with in their early years, as we say, this is totally wrong. Previously, we pointed out that children learn and know themselves by playing, for example, if a child wants a doll and a stroller will be expressing their tenderness and affection, or for example, if a girl wants to play with tools or cars it demonstrates curiosity, it is necessary to let them experiment and discover for themselves what they are passionate about or not.
None of this will have to do with your sexual orientation that will begin to develop in adolescence. Therefore, we would have to remove as soon as possible all the gender stereotypes that still exist and that can negatively influence the little ones.
The normal thing is that all the boys and girls play with the toys that they want or that most attract their attention and this should not become a subject of debate under any circumstances. As fathers, mothers, uncles or cousins, we must not shy away from hurtful or insensitive comments , and even make these adults see that they do not conform to gender stereotypes and use empathy as the best tool in the education of children. minors.
Help develop the potential of our little ones, educate them and teach them so that tomorrow they will have their own criteria and be who they want to be, because painting their nails will not determine what your little one will be in this life .
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.
