What Are Some Stereotypes That You Have Held Regarding Males vs What Are Some Stereotypes That You Have Held Regarding Males vs. Females? •listen to parent’s ideas before preceding to next slide.

Gender Stereotypes Gender is partly based on the physical influence of a child’s sex, but also culture and family beliefs influence what we expect in terms of masculinity and femininity. Females are stereotyped to be emotional, helpful, and understanding. Males are supposed to be independent, competitive, and determined. Note: Both girls and boys need relationships with others to promote healthy development, they also need opportunities to develop their independence. •After 1st point) say: much of what we believe is appropriate for girls and for boys come from what we are taught in our families and what we observe in the broader culture. For example, we often see commercials that show women, much more often than men, doing the housework; when we see men are taking care of young children, we often think that is unusual rather than perfectly normal. It is perfectly normal for both women and men to do housework, and it is perfectly normal for both men and women to take care of young children. It is also perfectly normal for women to be engineers and men to be kindergarten teachers. (After 3rd point) say: Most children try to conform to these stereotypes and yet being expressive, helpful, understanding, independent, competitive, and determined can be positive qualities for both males and females. •(after 4th point) Parents must be careful not to draw the faulty conclusion that daughters need others for their development but their sons don’t; or that boys need more opportunities than girls to experience independence from others. Regardless of gender, we all need to be in healthy relationships with others to reach our fullest potential; we also need the chance to experience ourselves as competent individuals who can make important decisions on our own when needed.

Male Stereotypes Adolescence is a time during which many of a young man’s ideas about himself, masculinity, and his future are formed. Parents are key players in his life to help him confront aggression, challenge stereotypes about what a “real man should be,” and become comfortable with his emotions. •Ask, “what does society say about men showing their emotions as compared with women?”

Male Stereotypes (contd.) Pressure begins in the earliest childhood to conform to the idea that boys should not show emotions. Realize that young men can be compassionate. It is important that they have the chance to express this. Talk with your son about what it means to be a man, and how society looks at men and boys. • (After 1st point) Say: For the most part girls have heard the message that it is good to express how they feel…boys ,however, hear clear signals about the behaviors they must conform to (no crying, don’t admit weakness) in order to be a “real man.” • (After point 3) say: Young boys often only hear the stereotypes; it is important that they can talk with their parents about their own values, beliefs, and expectations. Being a real man includes caring for others, taking responsibility for your decisions, and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Female Stereotypes Many girls as they approach adolescence become less likely to express their opinions because they often are encouraged by parents, teachers and other adults to be cooperative and nonconfrontational. Girls who get along are rewarded. Female adolescents may have experiences in their math and science classes that suggest they are less competent than the male adolescents are. Often teachers (without realizing it) will call on boys more often than girls in math classes. It is important for female adolescents to be encouraged in their independence. Some females enjoy competition and should be encouraged to engage in contests and sports activities if this is their interest. Plenty of girls are good at math and science and their abilities should be promoted by parents and teachers.

How Parents Can Help Their Adolescent’s Development Talk: Teens want to learn about themselves and they need to hear your views. They also need to experience you listening to their views. Encourage: help them to learn to express emotions and/or frustrations. Don’t Lower Your Expectations: Don’t assume that your teen can’t behave a certain way or make a particular choice just because she is female or he is male. Examine Your Own Expectations:Think back in time. • (After 1st point ) Say: Discuss female and male roles, masculinity and femininity, and your own values. Also •(After 2nd point) Say: Help your teen understand what is acceptable in your family and in society, but also point out where family or society expectations may be limited and that you support your teen in being true to who s/he is. •(After 3rd point) Help give your son a safe place to cry when he feels sad; encourage your daughter to stand up for herself when someone is putting her down; praise your son if he excels in art rather than sports; praise your daughter if she’d rather play sports than take dancing lessons. •(Point 4) Think back to when you were growing up – were you told things about what is appropriate for boys and girls that you know understand are limited gender stereotypes. The first step in not passing on these stereotypes is to recognize them; the second step is to challenge them when they arise in your current life.