3 Stereotypes That Affect How You Parent Your Teen

Stereotypes are fixed ideas about a group of people. For example, you might make assumptions about someone because of their race or age. We all hold stereotyped views, often without realising them.

Stereotypes often involve judging someone because of their:

• Gender
• Race
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• Lifestyle choices
• Disabilities

This article focuses on common gender stereotypes, treating boys and girls differently because of fixed ideas we have about them. These stereotypes have been around for a long time. You’ve probably heard them from your parents and grandparents, and they are often used in films and books.

What’s the problem with stereotypes?

Stereotypes are often unfair and negative. For example, assuming all teenagers behave badly is a stereotyped view. They can encourage prejudice and be destructive.

Believing in a stereotype changes how you react to behaviours. Let’s take the teenagers as an example…

Picture this: An older lady knocks against a display in a shop. Everything falls crashing down to the ground.

How do people react?

Well, they might help the lady up and check she’s okay. Someone might pick up the items she’s knocked over and put them back on the shelf for her. A staff member will reassure her that there’s no harm done.

Now what if the same situation happened to a teenage boy? How would people most likely react?

Someone might shout at them and tell them to be more careful. People might tut and shake their heads at the ‘youth of today’ causing problems. The staff member could throw them out of the shop and demand they stop causing trouble.