Parenting Insights: Boys Have Emotions Too
By Clara Jensen
Updated: Aug. 31, 2015
Originally Published: Aug. 28, 2015
As a parent of a son who enjoys writing, I am constantly on the lookout for suitable notebooks and journals. A few months ago, during a business trip to New York City, I stumbled upon a charming boutique bookstore near Columbia University. While exploring the adult section, I discovered a delightful notebook adorned with an owl that I knew he would adore. However, when I ventured downstairs to the children’s section, I was greeted only by an array of pink and purple glittery diaries that I knew he would dislike.
It is disheartening that pink and glitter often signify “girl” in our society; unfortunately, marketing has ingrained this stereotype in young minds. When my son was three, he had a fondness for pink, and we encouraged this preference. He even requested a birthday cake featuring a pink Brachiosaurus, which we happily provided. Yet, once he entered kindergarten, he shunned a pink Polo shirt, vehemently denying his past affinity by crying out, “That’s not true.”
The reality is, those diaries I found were not intended for boys; they have been marketed to girls, who are often encouraged to articulate their feelings, both in writing and verbally. What impression does this leave on boys when they see shelves filled with pink diaries? It sends an unspoken message that journaling is a feminine activity, leaving boys to feel excluded from such expression.
Recently, Target announced plans to remove gender-specific signage from various departments, including toys and bedding. This corporate decision represents a positive step toward dismantling traditional marketing norms. Just as girls can enjoy Legos and action figures, boys should feel free to write in diaries and play with dolls without facing societal judgment.
The backlash against this change is puzzling. Target is not compelling parents to buy specific toys based on gender; rather, it is expanding choices for everyone, removing the labels that dictate what is appropriate for boys or girls. If a boy is interested in a My Little Pony, why should Target’s marketing imply that it is a toy solely for girls?
As an adult, I do not need to shop in a “women’s” section to find a journal that suits my taste. Whether at a large retailer like Target or a niche bookstore, I can select a notebook that resonates with me—definitely not in pink glitter. So, why should our children be subjected to the constraints of “pink for girls” and “blue for boys”? We must question why we tolerate such limitations.
I aspire to teach my son that expressing emotions is not only acceptable but encouraged. He should feel empowered to document his dreams and frustrations on paper. However, how many pink journals must he encounter before he believes that such activities are exclusively for girls? At what point will he suppress his true self due to society’s expectations?
It is essential for companies targeting children to reconsider the subliminal messages their products convey. No child should feel different or out of place because of their choice of toys or activities. For more insights into navigating these issues and the importance of inclusive marketing, check out our other blog posts here.
In summary, it is crucial that we recognize and challenge the outdated gender norms imposed on children, allowing them the freedom to explore their interests without fear of judgment. Emotions are universal, and every child, regardless of gender, should feel free to express them.