“Cooking is the girl’s job, boys should not cook!”

You are working at a long day care centre where a new family has enrolled. You have planned a cooking experience with the children when the boy (aged 4) states, “cooking is the girl’s job, boys should not cook!” Discuss the following points with reference to the unit content:
 What language and actions would you use to handle this situation?
 How can you teach gender equality as part of the Australian culture with children aged 3-5 years?
 What are the strategies you could implement to work towards social justice and equity?

Language and actions I would use to handle the situation:
  • I would start by acknowledging the boy's feelings. I would say something like, "I understand that you think cooking is a girl's job, but I don't think that's true. Cooking is for everyone, boys and girls."
  • I would then explain to the boy that gender roles are just made-up ideas about what boys and girls should do. I would say something like, "There's nothing about being a boy that means you can't cook. In fact, there are lots of great chefs who are boys."
  • I would also point out to the boy that there are lots of examples of men and women cooking together in the real world. I would say something like, "Have you ever seen your dad cook? Or your mom? Cooking is something that people of all genders do."
  • Finally, I would encourage the boy to participate in the cooking experience. I would say something like, "I'd love for you to help me cook today. We can make something really delicious together."
How to teach gender equality as part of Australian culture with children aged 3-5 years:
  • Start by talking about gender roles. Explain to children that gender roles are just made-up ideas about what boys and girls should do. There's nothing about being a boy or a girl that means you can't do something.
  • Challenge stereotypes. When you see children playing with toys or doing activities that are traditionally associated with the opposite gender, point it out and challenge the stereotype. For example, if you see a boy playing with a doll, you could say something like, "Boys can play with dolls too. It's fun to take care of someone else."
  • Provide positive role models. Show children examples of men and women doing things that are traditionally associated with the opposite gender. For example, you could show them pictures of men cooking or women fixing cars.
  • Be a role model yourself. If you want to teach children about gender equality, you need to be a role model yourself. Be open about your own beliefs and values, and show children that you believe that everyone is equal.
Strategies to work towards social justice and equity:
  • Talk to children about gender equality. Explain to children that gender equality is about everyone having the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their gender.
  • Challenge stereotypes. When you see children playing with toys or doing activities that are traditionally associated with the opposite gender, point it out and challenge the stereotype.
  • Provide positive role models. Show children examples of men and women doing things that are traditionally associated with the opposite gender.
  • Be a role model yourself. If you want to teach children about gender equality, you need to be a role model yourself. Be open about your own beliefs and values, and show children that you believe that everyone is equal.
  • Get involved in your community. There are many organizations that are working to promote gender equality. Get involved in your community and support these organizations.
By following these tips, you can help to teach children about gender equality and work towards a more just and equitable society.

Sample Solution