Published: 2023-08-28
My sister and I often complain to my parents about how my brother gets to go out more or gets more freedom. We always say that it is because we were born girls. How does gender affect the decisions parents make?
My sister mentioned, 'Nash can go out alone but I cannot. Some may say that is because he is older, but my parents still won't allow me to go out alone even when I am older. For example, Nash can ride a scooter at 16 but my mom said I will not be allowed to at 16, or even when I'm 18. I have way less freedom than Nash and find it very unfair. My parents should give me more freedom even though I am a girl and am relatively small.'
I share the same opinions as my sister in some ways. I find it very unfair when my brother is allowed to go places I am not, and my parents often say it's due to safety. I understand but sometimes the precautions taken are not very necessary in my opinion. Nash commented that, 'While Nina and Kate have more restrictions in terms of curfews and outings, I have to accompany them if both our parents are not around.' Perhaps Nash finds it unfair that sometimes he has to accompany my sister and I as he may think it's not his responsibility. But being the eldest, he is expected to do these things. Hence, Nash could also argue that being a boy means extra responsibilities for him.
Here's my dad's response, 'Unfortunately, parents are more concerned about girls' safety than boys. I always share a joke which I believe in and it's simplified here to be more child-friendly; "For my boy, I only need to take care of him. For my girls, I have to fend off many boys!" Hence, we apply more physical restrictions on our girls than on our boy. This will no doubt create the impression that we are unfair as parents but it's out of love and concern for safety. We make it up in other areas though and I hope our girls know it. Parenting is viewed as an art because all children are different individuals and for the record, we are also parents for the first time and are not perfect.'
I'd say that my parents have a point but of course, my sister and I on the receiving end. Hence, we are not happy about the decisions due to safety concerns. These disagreements tend to cause fights which are normal and I'm sure every family has fights of this sort. Children and parents have to work together to come to a point of mutual understanding to resolve these disagreements. My sister and I have to try to understand why my parents have to give us less freedom for our own good while my brother should also fulfill his older brother's duties. This will ensure the disagreements and fights can be avoided.