When engaged in role play do you discourage boys from dressing up in typically female costumes?
A recent news story from the States started a worldwide debate around whether cross-gender dressing up was acceptable in the early years.
- 7% said No, unless parents complain
- 2% said Yes, they should focus on male characters
- 92% said No, children should have free choice
- 0% said Yes, if they consistently behave this way
Comments
said on 10 January 2011
Embrace imaginative play in all its forms;]
said on 9 January 2011
children have always had and should have the free range to express their imagination through play!
said on 5 January 2011
This has been a problem with some staff and volunters in the past but it is our policy for all children to have free choice
said on 5 January 2011
We encourage all children to dress up in anything at anytime as it develops imagination and role play. Boys may see more of their Mums and want to reenact what they are familiar with. It is unusual for boys to continue this beyond early years but if they do it's not wrong.
said on 1 January 2011
I think this behaviour is only mirror imaging the role of the mother figure in the family - very normal too.
said on 22 December 2010
In my opinion, all children learn by imitating adult behaviour. If the role models at home/nursery are predominantly female its quite natural for boys to want to be the same. I have never yet found a child who has developed problems later in life by wearing a pair of high heeled shoes at 3!
said on 21 December 2010
parents need educating too. why can't children just be left to enjoy life and play without adults choosing to label and judge them. childhood is so short now and adulthood is getting longer as we live older and freedom to enjoy is disappearing and life becoming miserable for all.
said on 19 December 2010
I think it is only fair to let the boys dress up as well as the girls as they enjoy role play too and it does no harm enven help them act out feelings and situations
said on 18 December 2010
this is a tricky one we give children freedom of choice as the setting has tidy up time before the parents arrive but as a setting i have known some boys be told off for wearing girly things and playing with girly toys
said on 13 December 2010
Is anybody going to say yes we should focus on male characters!!!!!!!
said on 13 December 2010
I was SO annoyed by that story in America, let children be whatever they want - they shouldn't have to worry about adult hang-ups and preconceptions!
Anonymous said on 10 January 2011
As early years professionals, we encourage young children to explore, experiment, and discover things for themselves, in all areas of the curriculum. This includes choices about the resources they use. Most boys will learn soon enough from the media and their peer group that 'girlie' is a put-down - we don't have to join in!