How can I encourage my 6 year old son to be more inclusive of girls?
My son loves soccer, one can say excessively. Before school his whole life was about firetrucks and now it's all soccer. It seems that his main value in people is their soccer skill. There's a kid in his grade that is phenomenal and considerably better than other kids in soccer. Unfortunately, this kid is not the kindest, and his dad is a big sexist prick.
I have noticed my son using certain language at home that clearly comes from school. He has started to avoid certain colours because they are girly, or didn't want to invite girls to his birthday.
We were visiting a friend's house who have a same age girl and in that environment once he got passed his posturing he started playing house with the girl and had a great time. I feel like his anxiety around how other people perceive him is really holding him back from being himself and having fun. He is too obsessed with pleasing the soccer kid, and worrying about what he thinks.
I know the problem is not the soccer kid. Every school has their own version. Wondering if people have any advice? If this is just a phase as at this age they become hyper aware of others judgement. Also how do you encourage more socialization with other gender without it feeling forced.
