With the onset of the media shedding light on gay children being bullied, it’s the perfect time to take a look at transgendered children who are facing many of the same problems. People seem thrown off by the fact that children can recognize they are gay or transgendered at such young ages. Many families keep their children’s transgenderism or homosexuality under wraps because it is the only way they feel they can protect them. The problem stems in the question of whether this is the best thing to do for the child. Some parents allow their kids to express themselves freely and be who they are at any age. Then there are parents who think that kids do not know the difference between right and wrong and they need to be taught how to behave and who to be. The following video discusses key points involving children showing out of the ordinary behavior:
This clip from “The View” is a perfect example of opposing opinions on children who are going against the “norm” of their gender. How you raise your child is a choice; however, think of a few things before making that choice. What if a parent teaches their child what is considered appropriate clothing to wear or toys to play with for their gender, but the child does not like their choices and reverts back to tendencies of the opposite sex. How long would it be considered alright to repress what feels natural to that child? Do you continue to suppress their feelings until they are eighteen years of age and then allow them to start their lives? If so, what if all the repression scars a child and they grow into an adult who continues to suppress who they are, leading to depression and even suicide.
If you have never thought about you or your child being faced with these situations, it is definitely the time to. If you do not have children, continue to think of the injustices children face from repression. One day a friend may need your advice and you may be the only one with insight on the matter. Help each other to *peace together.
I think its every parents' dream to dress up their daughters in little pink lacy dresses and boys in little baseball uniforms, etc. But if I had a son and he wanted to wear a dress to school, I think I'd be like.. uh..sure, go ahead. See what happens." I think especially when they're really young, like preschool/ kindergarten, they're still learning and identifying the differences between masculine and feminine and they should be allowed to explore all possibilities. I dont think parents should suppress their childrens' feelings at a young age, because if they are identifying w/ the roles of the opposite sex, then so be it. Whatever hardships and criticism they may get at school, they might as well start learning to deal with it. The most important role of the parents is to mold this little person to grow up to be a good, confident,functional adult.
ReplyDeleteI agree w/ Melina on the "the View' discussion about the preschool teacher and the dress up corner. The teacher should not be telling the kids whats right and wrong and what they can and cannot wear. But I do think the teacher has a responsibility to tell the parents that their son likes to put on dresses or that their daughter likes to play boys games. However the parents want to deal with it at home, is their business.
I think the line between whats considered masculine and feminine is too blurry. Anything can be masculine or feminine, depending on how you want to look at it. Whats the difference between girl's dolls and boy's action figures? Not much. And theres nothing wrong w/ boys playing with toy kitchens. There are more way more male chefs than there are female chefs in the professional kitchens. My dad is a way better cook than my mom (ssh..dont tell her I said that). And theres a whole bunch of little girls running around dressed like boys and playing in the dirt. That doesn't seem to be big deal.
Love.Whoopi.
ReplyDeleteFamily ...maybe the word is being re-examined. What does Family...Community...and Support...and Individual Identity...really mean these days?
To let a child of any age learn the value of personal expression, freedom, and love is a great task for every parent...to facilitate the journey of the soul. To learn to love being who you are...expressing who you are....and exploring who you are. Got to let the flowers bloom. The rain and sun do not determine the inherent nature of the flower.
Tina I love all the post that you write, when you get some time write some more. There very informative, enlightening and very much needed. Love you Tina and keep the positive fight going.
ReplyDeletelove always,
wai'ala