Society's narrow views of what it means to be a male or female place limits on children that deprive them of healthy experiences. Consequently, when boys experience negative feelings or are faced with difficult circumstances, the only outlet society has sanctioned for them is assertiveness or aggression. Thus, it may not be surprising that many of our adolescent boys resort to aggression when dealing with difficult issues. First, we must be aware of our own biases and preconceived notions from the start. Even young children easily detect adult expectations and try to fulfill them.
Real men are human beings with a full array of emotions.
Thus, we must encourage boys to feel and express their emotions. Children learn by observing others. We need to talk with our children, both girls and boys, and demonstrate to them that communication is acceptable for both sexes, and we must be flexible in our own behavior rather than conforming to stereotypical roles. A study of the eye of the beholder . Differential reactions to assertive and communicative acts of toddler boys and girls.