Gender Issues and Elementary School Kids - Free Parenting Resources

“The documentary, Raising Cain: Boys in Focus, provides answers, insights, ideas, and hope. Hosted by child psychologist Michael Thompson, Ph.D., co-author of the best-selling book Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Lives of Boys, this documentary explores the emotional development of boys in America today. Thompson consults with some of our nation's most respected psychologists, social activists, researchers and educators to probe the issues facing boys and find solutions to their dilemmas.”

Learn how to encourage girls in math and science and break down barriers for success.

How to teach your child to deal with sexual harassment.

In Tips for Parents: Puberty Begins in Girls Earlier, discover that girls are beginning puberty at an earlier age.  Get tips and resources for preparing your daughter (and yourself) for her changing body.

In Tips for Parents: Stereotypes in School, learn issues girls face in today's schools that interfere with their academic success and confidence, and understand how all girls schools are helping girls achieve more.

For decades we’ve been hearing about the “Gender Gap” in our schools.  This gap referred to research done in the 1970s, 1980s and particularly the early 1990s that indicated that girls were performing significantly lower than boys in math and science, received less attention from teachers, and that more men than women were going to college.  Today, a growing tide of researchers and educators are loudly claiming that not only was this research flawed, but the exact opposite is true.  Boys are the ones falling behind.

This brief presents research-based information about the strengths that make boys likely to succeed and the risks, or challenges, that increase the likelihood that they will struggle.

Boys tend to be more active and more aggressive than girls.  This resource from PBS takes a look at boy agression, the role media has in boy violence, and what parents can do.

This resource from PBS discusses takes a look at what it means to grow up masculine, the masculinity tests boys often face, how boys are often encouraged to hide the tender or emotional aspects of their personality and the many ways to be a man.

From PBS--featuring “Active or Aggressive Boys?” “Boys in School,” “The Search for Masculinity,” “Emotionally Strong Boys,” an expert Q&A, and other useful resources.

Tips to encourage your daughter to pursue math and science.

Tips to teach girls to “value themselves for who they are, rather than how they look.”

“Raise Respectful Boys...Not Macho Men” From the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. 

Booth, David.  Pembroke, 2002.  Available for free download.

A Girl Scout website, Girls Go Tech features science games, technological career exploration, links to other interesting websites, a video competition, and a booklet with tips for parents.

“Encouraging All Girls to Be Strong, Smart, and Bold…”  With articles for girls such as “Design Your Future,” “Build Your Spirit,” “Examine, Experiment, Explore” and more.  Features inspirational women role models and a girls’ Bill of Rights.

“Empowering girls in math, science, and technology.” Features include news and events, programs, volunteer opportunities, and an activities section just for girls.

With information about programs, initiatives, publications, reports, and great links to information for and about girls.

A role model registry, references and resources, and additional information to encourage girls to succeed.

The information campaign site for Title IX, which protects against sexual discrimination in any federally funded program.  Includes “10 Key Areas of Title IX” such as athletics, career education, math and science, and standardized testing.  Also features legal cases, how to take action, and a press room.

Tips to encourage and prepare your daughter for leadership roles.

Understand how Title IX factors into your daughter's education.

"Promoting education and equity for women and girls.”  Features community programs, research such as the “Girls in Education" series, fellowships, grants, awards, and an issues advocacy department.

Links to organizations that empower girls and teach them how to be critical of the sexualizing messages they hear in the media.

Make sure your daughter's environment isn't keeping her from becoming a leader.

Using Title IX to ensure your daughter has equal opportunities in sports at school.

In Tips for Parents: Girls Facing New Issues, learn the problems today's girls face, such as early puberty, cyberbullying, girl on girl violence, body image, and sexism and stereotyping in school.

Learn how the typical classroom may not favor the way boys learn.