We were having a conversation in SYG earlier that I found intriguing so I decided to open it up to all of ATRL. We were talking about traditional vs. gender neutral parenting.

Some people were on the side of traditionalism. For EX: Enrolling your son in traditionally masculine sports and typically feminine things for your daughter. Saying things like "Son, have you met any nice girls?" rather than going the "Have you met anyone special? Male or female?" route. Basically, basing your parenting off the assumption that your child is cis & straight, as most people are. Note: It's not about not accepting your child if they come out as gay or trans, but essentially waiting until they tell you they are to start acting on it.

Others were on the side of the gender neutral route so that with the rare chance that they turn out as gay, you've created a "comfortable" environment for them.

Where do you stand?


The conversation on page 4128 of SYG, if you're interested.

Personally, my children will be very active and enrolled in activities at an early age. I believe that children need some sort of basis and structure. They will not be like the zombie kids of today who spend all day playing Candy Crush and have to be forced to play outside. If my kids don't like what I enroll them in, I of course won't force them to do it and they can make their own decisions. If my son says "Mom, I don't like basketball" he won't be forced to play. But I'm not gonna wait around for him to just "pick something" as in my opinion, that's just setting your child up to be lazy.

Originally posted by DripDrip Which ever one allows me to hit with a wooden spoon

Originally posted by highwayuni I already said this but I personally don't think kids should be encouraged to think that they are the opposite gender. Getting them a barbie doll or letting them dress up is fine but actually getting a kid to think that they are the opposite gender is only going to set them up for failure. Like I don't agree with a 5 year old identifying as transgendered.

Neither, i hate children.



But if I did have them I wouldn't force anything. I draw the line at referring to kids as zie or za or whatever BS that was.

Originally posted by highwayuni I already said this but I personally don't think kids should be encouraged to think that they are the opposite gender. Getting them a barbie doll or letting them dress up is fine but actually getting a kid to think that they are the opposite gender is only going to set them up for failure. Like I don't agree with a 5 year old identifying as transgendered. I would much rather my child focus on learning solid life skills when they're younger that they can apply and develop in later life than to get them worrying about their gender. Kids don't think that deeply and don't know how to handle it. The last thing they need is their parents saying "oh you can be whoever you want!". I raise them without any judgement but I wouldn't put ideas into their heads.