We can teach Teens to respect Female.

 

       We can teach Teens to respect Female.

8th March International Women’s Day was celebrated throughout the country. I feel that the fact we need to celebrate a day dedicated to women clearly shows that we are still not a society that champions equality. And its right time to teach our kids to respect all the women  

As mothers there are things we can do, some simple steps to make that change. If we call ourselves a generation of empowered women and informed mothers, surely the least we can do is to ensure our sons are not the ones responsible for a woman's discomfort at any level in the future .All women cannot be mothers, but those that are deserve the most respect out of anybody that walks the earth.  "

A simple first step is to sensitize children that Housework is work too and needs to be valued and respected just like any other work, and both boys and girls should be involved equally. Mothers need to wipe out gender stereotypes completely. There is need for creating an environment where both men and women can opt for professions of their choice freely. Traditional roles of women as homemakers and men as breadwinners imposed by society reinforces the gender imbalance. Give them choice to choose their profession.

 

Respect has to be shown to all women
 As the children are growing up social responsibility or manners towards all the women should be taught. Kids are watching and learning from home. They reflect the culture of their family. You cannot preach respecting women to your son while you not treating your helpers at home well or allowing him to hit and scream at maid.

 

Communicate openly and keep nothing hidden

Children begin to really understand the differences between male and female bodies when their own bodies are going through changes. That is a perfect time to reinforce the lesson about being sensitive to each other's physical changes and not mock at awkward moments. Kids will get their information anyhow. If you make sex a taboo topic at home, they will get distorted versions from friends or the internet.

 

Fathers need to set the example
"Fathers are an important role model in this context.  Your son is watching and reflecting all your actions and interactions with women around you and he is most likely to imitate your take on this subject.

 

Don't trivialize sexual harassment
whistling or staring intently at another's body is as much a type of sexual harassment as unwelcome kissing, hugging and touching, passing lewd remarks or making obscene phone calls.

 “Sexual harassment is an aggressive and abusive act that causes hurt, trauma and pain. Calling it by any other name doesn't change the fact that it is abuse," reads a handout on Sexual Harassment - a must read for all parents and young adults.  Do's and Don'ts for both boys and girls, including the differences between flirting and harassment should be discussed.

 

Be alert and stop unacceptable behavior early
do not tolerate sexist language and attitudes from your child, irrespective of gender. Teach your child that it is NOT acceptable to act aggressively towards others. Teenagers are bound to have conflicts with the opposite sex. Encourage your son to come to you with his problem, listen to him and help him understand his own feelings toward a girl. Compliment the positive ones and work through the negative ones, suggesting alternative ways in which to resolve conflict other than through violence or abuse.

 

Be aware of abuse via digital media
Abuse doesn't stop on the streets today; it has entered our homes through digital technology. For our kids, it may be an extension of their everyday lives and their intimate relationships, but the same technologies have created a new channel of abuse, one that can be difficult to control. Youngsters may not realize it, but digital abuse can include unwanted, repeated calls or text messages, privacy violations such as breaking into email or social networking accounts, and pressure to send nude or private pictures or videos. If required make your child aware of the consequences of these actions and of the fine line between fun and abuse.

 

Let's make a start - by talking about what is acceptable and what is not.

 

 By

Dr. Mona Shah

Occupational Therapist, Clinical Psychologist