Protect Your Child’s Gender Identity

Western society has become very confused about something very basic—the male and female genders. It has become fashionable to believe that children are not really born either male or female, but that they should “choose” whether to be male or female. Many parents are swallowing this deception hook, line, and sinker by choosing gender neutral names and clothing, trying to raise their children in a gender neutral way. Our children are under attack, and we must fight back.

Parents are in a powerful position to thwart these attacks on our children, and women play an especially crucial role as primary caregivers. Here are five points to consider in the fight for your child’s gender identity.

1. Watch your child’s clothes: We do not have to look far to see the confusion in how people dress. The “grunge” or “bad boy/girl” look is now fashionable. You may have noticed that such clothes tend to be gender neutral. The fashion industry is deliberately blurring male and female styles, and we should not allow our children to follow these types of trends.

2. Watch your child’s hairstyles: God gives some specific instructions about hairstyles. Females should have hair long enough to be considered feminine and worn in a style that does not bring her undue attention (1 Corinthians 11:15; 1 Timothy 2:9). Males should have short haircuts that reflect a godly attitude of modesty and humility (1 Corinthians 11:14). As children get older, they may want to choose their own styles, but it is ultimately the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their hairstyles are appropriate.

3. Watch your child’s play: Toy manufacturers, televisions shows, and even children’s books are now encouraging gender confusion. Playtime matters. Mothers must be diligent in deciding how their children spend their playtime. Encourage your children in play that emulates the type of life you wish for them to live.

4. Talk the talk: God has instructed us to teach our children His way of life diligently and every opportunity (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Mothers should remember to praise the traditional roles of men and women in the family as equally challenging and rewarding. If a woman expresses feelings of being trapped as a wife and mother, what daughter would want to follow in that path? If a wife does not express admiration for her husband and his sacrifices, how will her son know that his role will be appreciated one day? Society is busy presenting a very different message about family, roles, and responsibilities; we must counter that message with godly truths.

5. Walk the Walk: God wants us to set the right example (Matthew 5:14–16). In your home, if women are belittled, if men are put down, or if family roles are blurred, your children may have difficulty with gender identification. The “proof is in the pudding”—we must show our children through our examples that God’s way works.

There is an all-out attack on biblical gender identification, and our children are being targeted. It is not just about clothes, hairstyles, or toys; it is about a way of life. Because of our roles as mothers, we are on the front line of this battle. We have the advantage, and we can be victorious through our Lord, Jesus Christ (1 John 5:4).