How do you handle gender role talk?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the kids are around I would at least comment that they're not all like that and in our house xyz happens. I wouldn't harp on it, but I'm am so tired of the stereotypes being passed along from other family members.

I know it's generational, but the grandparents do all the typical stuff about the boys being strong and smart and should be president, while the girls are pretty and sweet and should be a ballerina. I feel like it's my job to present a more equitable view.

Apparently these grandparents didn’t irredeemably damage your spouse (or you, depending on which they raised). You give these old-fashioned comments way too much credit. You don’t need to counterbalance everything that is said.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We don't have "gender role" talks with our kids. That seems dumb. Stay in your lane because as their aunt it isn't any of your business.

I don't think you bothered to read anything OP wrote.
I agree that in the situation she described OP doesn't need to say anything.

I don't agree that extended family doesn't have a role to play in education my children. I learned so much from my aunts, uncles, and grandparents. I'm glad my parents weren't so rigid in their thinking.

[Anonymous]

I probably wouldn't say anything in the situation described.

However, if I was out with my nieces and heard them say things like they can't do x because they are girls or they had to do x because boys can't. I might say something then. But I'd keep it very general.

[Anonymous]

Do you have nephews?
Because they are the ones who REALLY need to get the message that they should expect to be more on the ball than their dads/grandpas when it comes to taking care of home and family.

[Anonymous]

Honestly you can’t say much that will make a difference but you can make sure they see your husband taking care of your kids. My seven year old niece (whose parents are divorced) went on and on and ON about my friends husband after a day at the beach— about how he was so nice and so good. I texted my friend to ask what he had done to make such an impression, turned out he had made her a sandwich, something her father never had done before or since.

[Anonymous]

I just shut up when people complain about their men. I have a good one.