Having my own 4 yr old son I have especially noticed the gender differences in children's toys, movies, and other games and activities. These differences begin at birth with color specifications of gender. My son is now at the age where he has begun to recognize social acceptances of gender roles. For example, there was a commerical on television which advertised talking stuffed animals. The commercial highlighted the product by using many shades of pink and purple, and most of the participants were young girls. There was a short glimpse of a boy playing with one of the animals. My son looked at me and said "That's not for me because I'm a boy, and he shouldn't play with it either". I don't buy toys for my child that are associated with female gender, but at the same time he has never asked for that either. In this occasion I responded to my son, "That looks like it is for all kids, boys and girls". Thinking back I could have expanded on this by asking why he felt this toy is only for girls. Asking the question would have opened opportunity for discussion about gender identity.
In my profession as a counselor I had an experience where a parent threatened to end services if I ever discussed or encouraged homosexuality with their child (20yrs old). This happened on the first day of introduction. I handled it by informing that parent what is discussed will be left to the client will not be shared because it is not required by law once a child turns 13, unless the safety of the child an or others may be compromised. Working with children in an early childhood program, my response would be much different to feelings of homosexuality. I would attempt to find out what their fears are and convince them that any views of sexuality of heterosexuality would not be forced upon their child or any children in the program. I would discuss the importance of creating a nurturing partnership between the facility and all families, and that sexuality beliefs do not play a significant role in children's development. I have not had class room experience or dealt with this issue directly involving families; but I believe that professionals must do their best to compromise and understand the wishes of the family even if they do not agree. In some cases this just may not be completely possible and the program may not be a good fit for the child.
