How To

How to Raise a Feminist Child

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(2 Ratings)

When you raise a feminist child, you teach her to be self confident, independent, sensitive to everyone and support a harmonious world. Follow these steps to raise your child with an appreciation for gender equality.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Educate yourself about the feminist movement. Read "Feminism: The Essential Historical Writings" by Miriam Schneir so you can explain to your child the fight for women's rights from the American Revolution to the present.

  2. Step 2

    Talk to your husband about treating you as an equal. How you two interact will have a strong impact on his behavior when he grows up.

  3. Step 3

    Teach your feminist daughter to fix gadgets, understand car engines and how the plumbing works. Teach your son to cook, clean and sew.

  4. Step 4

    Raise your kids to understand that everyone deserves a career and the joy of childrearing. Describe the ideal household as two parents who work part-time and spend quality time with the kids.

  5. Step 5

    Find new ways to describe how they look, act or behave. A boy's shirt can be pretty while a girl can be strong.

  6. Step 6

    Get your teens involved in women's causes. Learning about equal pay and woman empowerment helps them combat oppressive stereotypes promoted by the media.

  7. Step 7

    Have your kids write stories from the point of view of a character of the opposite sex along with illustrations. Bind the "books" and add them to your bedtime reading library.

Tips & Warnings
  • Raise your kids on modified fairy tales. Make princesses smart and princes sensitive.
  • Find role models for positive feminist action like their grandmother fighting for equal pay or their aunt protesting discrimination against women at work.
  • Don't deny gender stereotypes. Instead, explain why they're inaccurate and unhealthy.

Comments  

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on 7/2/2008 Wonderful ideas! I especially love 5 and 7.

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