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Childrens Toys

Many parents have noticed when they are toy shopping that there are certain toys that seem to be aimed at girls and certain toys geared for boys. Parents may become fearful when their child reaches for a toy that is not aimed at their gender. To avoid this issue many parents and caregivers are striving to make gender neutral toy choices.

As early as eighteen months children began to show a preference for their gender based toys. Often times girls will naturally reach for dolls, while the boys are more occupied with the trucks and balls. Is this a product of the children’s toys or is this due to conditioning from the parents?

There are some parents that believe forcing a girl to only play with girl toys and boys only with boy toys is encouraging gender roles on their children. While some may believe these roles are positive many feel it’s unfair and that it doesn’t give the child a chance to discover their own identity (a little girl given only “housecleaning” toys may send the message that it’s a woman’s job to clean the house).

Gender neutral children’s toys are toys that most will consider acceptable for play by both genders. Puzzles, blocks and toy animals are common gender neutral toys. These toys give the child the option to play with them how they see fit, without the worry of perpetuating a stereotype.

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