How do children develop gender roles? In reading “Boys don’t do that!” by Susan A. Miller, I learned about stages children go through during preschool years and their mentality towards one another at that age. “Parents: On a role” a newspaper article by Peter Howarth, tells about parenting and each parent’s role in raising a child. While both articles tell about children and developmental roles, they present different ideas about developing and express two different examples of where children develop their gender roles, and impacts.
“Boys Don’t Do That”, by Susan A. Miller tells a lot about stereotyping between boys and girls at a young age. Four year old Tomas teases his friend Bradley for holding a purse full of treasure saying “Only girls or mommies carry purses!” This is a typical example of stereotyping with children of such young age. Where do they get this judgment? Observation of other children their age is a large part of their development. Pe
In a newspaper article, “Parents: On a role” by Peter Howarth, I learned the importance of parenting, and the influence they have on their children. Howarth says “the absence of my father has left a hole. My mother did a great job, but she couldn’t stand in for a father she couldn’t provide the male counterpoint.” This just goes to show the effect that each decision and action may have on a child and their growing up and developing. Different parenting and methods of raising a child all have a large impact on the child and how they are going to develop characteristics. Both parents are crucial to the development of a child. Both the mother and father offer separate forms of comfort and advice. As Howarth says “children grow up learning how to respect the different sexes as a result”. Neither parent is a “weaker” or less effective, in showing affection. It is thought that women are the nurturers and more affectionate, however, “Studies show little dif