Today’s Parenting Tip:

DECIDE:  To allow your child to play with both “girl toys” and “boy toys.”

PRACTICE:  Today, look at the toys your child plays with most often.

Does your son play only with boys’ toys? Your daughter with girls’ toys? Are these the only toys he or she is interested in?  Or, are these the only kinds of toys you approve of for your son or daughter?

Ask yourself whether your child is getting a full opportunity to develop all his interests and talents. Would he learn about more skills and occupations, if he played with other types of toys?

Would adult relatives and neighbors make fun of your son (or daughter) if he (or she) played with girls’ toys (or boys’ toys)? If so, talk with those adults and explain that you want your child to be free to experience all sorts of play. You want him (or her) to develop his (or her) interests and talents fully.

Today’s Decide and Practice daily parenting tip was inspired by our featured picture book, PHOEBE & DIGGER.  Read the book to a child in your life each day as a reminder of what you are deciding and practicing that day.

Come back each day for another good parenting decision and how to practice it. (Each day’s activity will also be posted on the Daily Parenting Tips page for easy access.)

Read the whole story at Making Children Feel Safe and Important, Part 2.