We teach our girls to be kind and our boys to go after what they want. This is an imbalance, and as a feminist mama, I want to do my part to correct it. But, of course, the solution isn’t to teach our girls to be less kind or our boys to not go after what they want. It’s to be deliberate about rebalancing these skill sets. So a big thing for me is teach my boys the skills of emotional labor. My hope is that they can share the load and notice this often-invisible work. Paramount of these skills is to be kind. Because kindness matters. So much. Sometimes I think it’s the only thing that does.
Emily P.G. Erickson is a freelance writer specializing in mental health and parenting. She has written for popular digital publications, including Everyday Health, Health, The New York Times, Parents, Romper, WIRED, and more. Emily is a professional member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ). Previously, Emily researched PTSD for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and earned a master's in psychology. You can find the latest from Emily at www.emilypgerickson.com.
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