Watch the five animations linked below, and use the four corresponding questions beside each of the animations to prompt your discussions.
Ensure you create a safe and respectful space for open discussion, where everyone feels comfortable sharing and engaging as much as they wish. For some suggested responses to the questions, and other background information we encourage you to check out the Raise Them Equal Toolkit.
For more information about the Raise Them Equal project, and other resources to support families to raise gender equal kids, visit: Raise Them Equal.
Children absorb and internalise societal messages about gender roles and expectations from a young age. These early impressions can significantly shape their self-esteem, interests, behaviours and future opportunities. As a result, they might shy away from activities they are passionate about or that contribute to their growth, simply because they don’t see others doing the same or are told it’s not for them.
Research shows that gender stereotypes result in girls, by the age of six, avoiding subjects they view as requiring them to be “really, really smart”, which leads to a lower take-up of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects in later life.
Some language and expressions we commonly use can shape norms and expectations for children, which they carry into adulthood. For instance, expressions like ‘boys will be boys’ are often used to minimise or justify boys’ behaviour and, later, men’s aggression and violence towards women. Similarly, the phrase ‘boys don’t cry’ reinforces the idea that boys and men should hide their vulnerability and emotions, suppressing their ability to express their feelings.
By challenging gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality from an early age, we help children understand that abilities and interests are not confined by gender. This not only empowers them to explore a wider range of activities and develop a stronger sense of self, but also lays the foundation for reducing future instances of gender-based discrimination and violence and contributes to a more inclusive and just society.
The Raise Them Equal Toolkit provides practical guidance to help early years settings, families and communities use the Raise Them Equal resources with confidence. It includes information about the project, how the resources work, and practical ways to use them in early learning and community settings, including:
We’ve also developed a Raise Them Equal colouring sheet for the kids! The colouring-in activity can be used at home, at community events, or in early learning or school environments. 
Let’s give kids the opportunity to choose how they want to play, so they can dream big.
All kids need to feel safe to express their feelings and emotions, and to ask for help when they need support.
Let’s send the message to our kids that the world is full of possibility, no matter what their gender.
Raising our children free from limiting ideas about gender supports them to thrive and live with unlimited potential.
By sharing jobs in the home, we teach our kids that everyone needs to contribute equally, regardless of their gender.
