A new study from the LEGO Group is shedding light on some concerning findings. The study has found that girls, as young as five-years-old, think that boys are taken more seriously than they are. There are various strategies available for parents to challenge gender stereotypes and enhance the self-esteem of young girls, so continue reading to find out more!
The LEGO Group study, which was recently published this month, involved more than 61,000 parents and children ages 5-12, hailing from 36 different countries. The researchers found that more than 3 in 5 girls felt pressured by society’s messages of perfection.
In the study, the majority of girls (66%), expressed concerns about sharing their ideas, which was also observed by their parents. Additionally, 76% of parents noted that girls were more likely than boys to feel hesitant in cultivating ideas due to the pressure to excel.
An already “known” fact for parents and researchers alike was the evidence that words matter. Words play a significant role in shaping the perceptions of both young girls and boys. According to the report, society tends to use terms like “pretty” and “sweet” seven times more frequently when addressing girls. On the other hand, terms such as “brave,” “genius,” and “innovative” are commonly used when referring to boys.
“Reports like the LEGO Group’s are so important because they truly show that the language adults use matters,” Amy Morin, LCSW, a psychotherapist and author, who partnered with LEGO, said in an interview about the study with Parents.com. “We can take this information and create positive change to ensure we aren’t stifling girls’ creativity moving forward.”
What can parents do to help young girls feel that they are indeed being taken seriously? First, realize that it is not just up to you.
“As a community, and in the media, the focus on creative endeavors, breaking barriers, redefining success and gender norms, and representing women based on their success and challenges they have overcome would instill these values in girls,” Abbey Sangmeister, a licensed therapist, burnout coach, and founder of Evolving Whole, told Parents.com.
A shift in society as a whole needs to take place. But, you can do the following in your home to help your own children, boy or girl, be the change that we need to see.
- Catch your own bias
- Use gender-neutral language when discussing careers
- Discuss and validate dreams
- Consider how you compliment
- Counter microaggressions with validations
- Challenge stereotypes in the media
- Role model equitable attitudes at home
Want to explore this list further? Check-out what else the experts told Parents.com here. Also, to read the research study in its entirety, click here.
Photo: Lego Girls Unstoppable
