HomeFront Kids 6

Both Moms and Dads Matter

ABOUT THIS UNIT

Main Ideas

1) Rejoice in the differences between men and women and see their roles and contribution to society as complementary.

2) Pregnancy, childbirth and nurturing are not gender-neutral activities. They are biologically constructed, as is the male inclination toward providing protection and heavy and harder work. These differences are not just social constructs.

3) “One of the most important learnings for every human child is how to be a full member of its own sex and at the same time fully relate to the opposite sex. This is not an easy learning; it requires ‘the continuing presence of a father and a mother [a male and a female].’” -Margaret Meade

Activities

1) Make a list of inherited traits and discuss who you got them from.

2) Ask your mom and dad what they most want to teach you and set aside time to learn more about it.

Daily Resources

Short daily resources for discussing Homefront topics with your children.

Click to expand the daily resource you want to view.

DO NOT USE; THIS IS HIDDEN

It’s a blessing to be a parent and see your children grow, learn, and discover joy.

Parents:

How the Sexual Revolution hijacked feminismView Now

Family:

Baby Hears Mom’s Voice.                                    View Now

Discuss:

What are some of your favorite moments with your parent/child?

Resource 1: Mom and Dad - gotta have both to grow!

Children are entitled to both their mother and their father.

Parents:

Why Both Moms and Dads matter in Marriage
View Now

Family:

Both Moms and Dads play a vital role
View Now

Discuss:

Why do you think children need both their mom and their dad?

Resource 2: Dad’s Role is Irreplaceable

Healthy societies have engaged fathers.

Parents:

America’s fatherless ache exposed by humble YouTube Dad
View Now

Family:

Gratitude Activity
Our fathers do so much for us in our lives. Draw a picture or write a note to tell your father you are thankful for them in your life.

Discuss:

What is something your Dad has done that you are grateful for?

Resource 3: Mothers – Everyone Needs Theirs

Imagine a world without mothers. No one would want to live there.

Parents:

Mother bodies, father bodies               
View Now

Family:

Mother Charades Game
Moms do so much for us! Let’s play a guessing game! Act out something your mom does for you and see if the other players can guess what the activity is!

Discuss:

What are some things your mom has done for you?

Resource 4: Parenthood and Marriage shouldn’t be separated

Married moms and dads parenting together; a combination that can’t be beat!

Parents:

Marriage is Married to Parenthood- a global survey on how gay marriage weakens children’s rights
View Now

Family:

Amazing Mothers and Fathers!
View Now

Discuss:

Why do you think mothers and fathers have a responsibility to their children?

Resource 5: Motherhood Brings Changes

Becoming a mother is life altering, for everyone.

Parents:

Motherhood brings the most dramatic brain changes of a woman’s life
View Now

Family:

Meeting Baby Sister
View Now

Discuss:

Why do you think children want to be with their mother and father?

Resource 6: Differences – Male and Female Choices

Biology contributes to men and women making different choices in careers and in life.

Parents:

Doesn’t Love Make a Family? 
View Now

Family:

Male and Female Career Percentages

View Now

Discuss:

Were you surprised by which careers had more men or more women? Why or why not?

Resource 7: Teaching Children Emotional Regulation

Men and women teach different types of emotional regulation, a crucial skill for success in life.

Parents:

Fathers Don’t Mother and Mothers Don’t Father: What Social Science Research Indicates about the Distinctive Contributions of Mothers and Fathers to Children’s Development

View Now

Family:

Mothers and Fathers Interact Differently
View Now

Discuss:

How are mothers and fathers different in how they interact with their children? 

Resource 8: A World of Engaged Fathers

Dads earn the title of “Super Hero.”

Parents:

10 Facts About Father Engagement
View Now

Family:

Superhero Fathers
View Now

Discuss:

How does your father help you with the problems you face?  How has your father protected you – physically or otherwise?

Resource 9: Learning Hard Things

Dads show us we can do things we might not believe possible.

Parents:

What Representing Men in Divorce Taught Me About Fatherhood
View Now

Family:

People are awesome – Epic Dad and kids addition
View Now

Discuss:

  • How does your father support you in your life?
  • What things have you learned from your dad?
  • What are some “hard things” your dad has taught you to do?
  • How does your Dad challenge you to become better?
Resource 10: Differences Matter – Two Left Legs

A mom and a dad are complements and each of them bring something different, but necessary, to their children.

Parents:

The Kids Are Not Really Alright
View Now

Family:

Two Left Legs
View Now

Discuss:

  • How is having a mother and a father like having a right leg and a left leg?
  • How does having a mother and father help children to have “balanced” development?
Review

Review

Parents:

Discussion Question Survey
View Now

Family:

Talking Point Board Game

View Now

Discuss:

Which talking points (purple cards) do you find most interesting?

Role Play #1

Role Play #1

Scenario:

A school textbook states: ‘Gender differences are something some societies create and emphasize. Girls and boys are the same and it’s wrong/inappropriate to put any emphasis on differences.’  How would you respond?

Response:

Talking Point: Mothers are distinctly suited as attachment figures, and fathers as separation figures.  Mothers help children acheive emotional security, and fathers help children explore and succeed in their world. (Erica Komisar)  One of the most important learnings for every human child is how to be a full member of its own sex and at the same time fully relate to the opposite sex.  This is not an easy learning; it requires the ‘continuing presence of a father and a mother.'” (Margaret Meade)

Citations:

Erica Komisar   Margaret Meade

Role Play #2

Role Play #2

Scenario:

A friend tells you: “all a child needs is love.” How would you respond?”

Response:

Talking Point:

Mothers and fathers can and do make similar contributions to the welfare of their children, but they do not typically play the same role in their children’s lives.  Mother Bodies, Father Bodies 

“When biology is not the basis for an adult/child relationship, children often suffer diminished mental, physical and emotional outcomes. ‘Intent to parent’ is fraught with risks to children. Policies which confer parental rights simply based on adult desires do no service to children.” Marriage is Married to Parenthood

Reflect

Reflect

Parents:

Review some additional Homefront Project articles/videos from the “Difference In Sexes” unit.  
View Now

Family:

  1. What did you learn? 
  2. How are Mothers and Fathers different? 
  3. What were you surprised by? 
  4. With whom do you want to share what you learned?

Discuss:

Which was your favorite resource or video?

Summarize and Share

Summarize and Share

Parents:

Unit Survey
View Now

Family:

Which is your favorite image to share from Difference in Sexes?
View Now

Discuss:

Who will you share this with?

Return to 

Homefront Kids Home

Talking Points

Resources to help you discuss with friends and family.

Social Media Resources

Share resources for families through social media.

Advocacy Tips

Get involved in your community and local governments to make a difference.

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