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
Resource 1: Mom and Dad - gotta have both to grow!
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
Resource 6: Differences – Male and Female Choices
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
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
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
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:
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:
- What did you learn?
- How are Mothers and Fathers different?
- What were you surprised by?
- With whom do you want to share what you learned?
Discuss:
Which was your favorite resource or video?
Return to