Has anyone tried to get their kids primary school to do something to challenge gender stereotypes?

[JeMo307]

I’m a parent of primary-aged children and always thinking about how gender stereotypes are everywhere, how early children absorb ideas about gender, and the evidence about how negative these pressures can be for both boys and girls now and in their futures.

I know the attention at the moment is secondary schools, it feels like not many people are looking at younger ages even though it is super important.

I first heard my little boy saying "urgh, that's for girls" when he was 3. I see my older boy at 8 already trying not to show when he is upset.

I've started to encourage and support their primary school to do more to address harmful gender norms and was wondering if anyone here has done similar, or is interested to?

I'd love to hear anyone else's experiences, and if anyone wants to share more - this is a new network for parents https://www.instagram.com/misogynyfreeschools/

This should already be woven into your child's curriculum. Hopefully the things they study will be on their website - you can check they are learning about (e.g.) female artists, astronauts, historical figures as part of their learning. If not, do politely contact the school either through your Parent Forum or similar feedback mechanism, or an email to the head.

The Reception areas should have dress-up clothes which are for any child (e.g. fine for a boy to dress up as a ballerina, or a girl as Superman).

Consider volunteering your time as a governor with an interest in Equality and Diversity and ask questions like, "What are we doing to encourage a greater balance of girls to boys on the football field at playtime?" and "Could I please see these behaviour incidents split by sex? What are we doing to ensure boys are dealing with their feelings appropriately?"

Our school normalises same-sex relationships and other cultures in every lesson - e.g. Rajiv buys his boyfriend John flowers for £34. How much change does he get from £50?

One challenge we had was all-male house names. Perhaps that's a starting point?