Why “Think or Blue”?
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by Think or Blue. My name is Catherine and I’m glad you’re here. If you are a parent, family member, or teacher, you may be frustrated with the narrow “pink or blue” options children face, and the gender stereotypes that limit their opportunities. This happens today before they even leave the womb! Think or Blue seeks a rainbow of options for children’s books, toys, and clothes, and offers resources for media literacy.
We are here to help you raise or teach children who are confident, kind, and proud to be themselves!
Get Started
If you’re just dipping your toe in, check out some of Think or Blue’s most popular posts:
Boys and Femininity: What Are We So Scared Of?
5 Ways to Teach Consent To Children at a Young Age
Girl Mom vs. Boy Mom: Let’s Ditch the Competition
9 Things to Say to Girls Instead of “You’re So Pretty”
How to Create a Gender Neutral Nursery
If you like what you see, be sure to check out Think or Blue’s free resources including:
10 Sneaky Places Your Gender Bias is Hiding
The Impacts of Gender Stereotypes on Children
Vinyl and Velcro
As a child of the ’80s, my parents raised my sister and me on ’70s vinyl classics like Free to Be You and Me. On this album, Marlo Thomas and Mel Brooks sang about boys who liked dolls, newborn babies trying to figure out their respective sexes, and a princess who wanted a friend instead of Prince Charming.
These early lessons shaped my beliefs that strict girl and boy boxes limit children’s potential. After all, boxes are usually small and hard to get out of. If William wants a doll, let him have it! And if the young princess just wants to play kickball with the nice boy down the street, then let her! Wait, on second thought…does there have to be a princess at all? Can’t a gal just pet the horses in overalls and velcro sneaks?
We’re not that outdoorsy – it just looks like it.
My “Crafts”
After spending several years as a lawyer and policy advocate, fighting for issues like paid family and medical leave & equal pay, I now provide workshops, courses, and coaching to parents and groups who are ready for more equity at home and in the workplace.
After years of lamenting the disparity in household work among men and women, in 2022, I became a certified Fair Play facilitator to help couples and families develop a new vocabulary for discussing household work and caregiving, and create more equity at home.
When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family and prioritize Unicorn Space, which right now includes tap dancing and hosting a podcast with my sister about themes of Gilmore Girls (With plenty of feminism!)
The Inspiration
In the fall of 2015, my husband and I welcomed this little nugget into our lives.
“V” is curious, affectionate, and loves meeting new people. I love to watch her explore her world and learn new things every day. She’s now in elementary school, but I see how early gender stereotypes start.
It pains me to think that one day a kid at school will tell her that she is playing with the “wrong” toy. Or that certain activities “aren’t for girls.” I want her to have all doors open to her inquisitive mind.
Thanks for joining me in my journey to raise a little girl in a cotton candy, pink princess world.
Before we “pink or blue,” let’s Think or Blue together. If you are a parent, family member, teacher, or someone who want to break down gender stereotypes in media, schools, and consumer culture together, you have found the right place! I’d love to hear your story, too!
Why do Gender Stereotypes Matter?
For a quick primer on how gender stereotypes impact children as they grow and develop, check out our interview with the Raising a Powerful Girl podcast:
Listen to “Think or Blue: How Gender Stereotypes limits a Girls Future” on Spreaker.
What Now?
Find Think or Blue on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
Check out more useful tips on Parenting, Toys, Books & Clothes, Media Messages.
And don’t forget the Resources to help you on your own journey.
xo,
Catherine
