Church advises nurseries: let boys wear tutus 'without comment' – but did it really need to be said?
The Church of England has made the headlines today for saying it's time to avoid gendered labels for kids
The Church of England has made the front pages – and got the morning breakfast shows talking – for their first guidance on transphobic bullying.
The organisation has told teachers at its 4,700 schools and nurseries:
"A child may choose the tutu, the princess's tiara and heels and/or the fireman's helmet, tool belt and superhero cloak without expectation or comment...
"We must avoid, at all costs, diminishing the dignity of any individual to a stereotype or a problem...
"It may be best to avoid labels or assumptions which deem children's behaviour irregular, abnormal or problematic just because it does not conform to gender stereotypes or today's play preferences."
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Now, here at MFM, we think, basically, what they're saying is: if a boy at nursery or in reception wants to dress up as a princess, let him, and if a girl wants to dress up as a superhero, let her – don't make a thing of it, it's all good...
But, what we want to know is, did that really need saying at all?
Have you ever felt your child's nursery or primary school tried to push your child into wearing/doing gender-stereotypical things? Or has a member of staff ever commented negatively on a boy wearing a princess costume or a girl wearing a superhero one?
Would it annoy you if you found out they did?
We're really intrigued about tis one and would love to know your situation. Tell us in the comments below or over on Facebook
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Authors
Tara is mum to 1 daughter, Bodhi Rae, and has worked as Content Editor and Social Media Producer at MadeForMums since 2015
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