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One of the most exciting elements of new parenthood is designing a nursery. The options are endless and which direction you go in is entirely up to you! Some parents keep things gender-neutral, while others go hard on all things pink or blue. And for parents who intend to raise strong-willed, independent, and highly inquisitive children, a popular home decor trend has emerged — the feminist nursery.
If you’re looking to design a feminist nursery for your little one, look no further. We’ve got 6 tips to help you get started!
What is feminism?
In the most basic of terms, feminism is the belief in social, economic, and political equality of the sexes, according to Brittannica. While feminists believe that women should feel empowered and valued in society, you do not need to be female to be a feminist. In actuality, feminism is a belief and way of life that can (and should) be embraced by all.
For parents, raising a feminist child means that you instill in them both confidence in themselves and empathy for others.
According to The Feminist Parent, the goal is to create “a generation of kids that know they deserve to reach their full potential (regardless of gender) and recognize when they’re being limited (because of their gender).” In addition, they hope that by normalizing and celebrating differences, they can “create healthy gender awareness as well as social justice-seeking in kids.”
Surround your child with inspiring feminist art
Raising a child to be a feminist can begin much sooner than you think. After all, children learn from their parents and the world around them in all kinds of ways. From the artwork they see, the toys they play with, and the stories they are told, they absorb information as it is presented before them. They are tiny sponges, soaking in knowledge from their very first day!
1. Be selective with your artwork.
Type in “feminist nursery” on Etsy and you’ll see there’s tons of options when it comes to feminist artwork for children. No matter how much (or how little) wall space you have to work with, you want to think about the message behind the piece and how it may make your child feel later on. It doesn’t have to be overt, either. A beautiful illustration of five girls holding hands (like this one from LittleLiefCreative) is just as powerful as an image of the night sky. As long as it inspires a child to dream big, you’re moving in the right direction.
2. Choose colors and patterns that stimulate their minds.
Did you know that the color you choose for your nursery could actually impact their lives? In the first three months of a baby’s life, they can only see in black and white. It’s for this reason that “a monochrome color scheme filled with contrasting patterns and shapes provides a newborn with the best form of visual stimulation,” according to Essential Baby.
After three months, green and purple are considered the most optimal colors for a nursery, according to The Spruce, as they balance the stimulation and energy of red and the calm of blue.
3. Surround them with images of inspiring women.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Angela Davis. Beyonce. Hillary Clinton. Maya Angelou. Their grandmother(s). Think about who has inspired you to be a better version of yourself and incorporate their images in your decor. They may not notice it right away, but eventually they will and that can be the start of many powerful conversations.
Fill your nursery with feminist books, music, and toys
4. Stock up on books that encourage independent thought.
One of the best ways to raise a feminist is through reading. From books that challenge a child’s perception of gender norms to ones that inspire them to reach their greatest potential, it’s important to find stories that incorporate positive messages of equality for both girls and boys.
“There are lots and lots of wonderful books written from the perspective of girls,” Sheila Quirke tells Mom.com, “and they are not to be missed because the main protagonist wears a dress. I want my boys to be as thrilled with the Little House series as I was, because pioneer living is simply fascinating.”
5. Play powerful music.
Believe it or not, the music you play for your child has a huge impact on their behavior and psyche as they grow. While “Baby Shark” is a total banger, try mixing up your music choices and incorporating songs with strong messages.
“We should encourage our children as early as possible to listen to and make music,” music educator Paul Borgese previously told Mom.com. “Children can start by listening to their favorite songs and accompanying the music with simple instruments made from household products.”
6. Display toys that encourage them to learn.
Developmental toys that encourage children to work on their fine motor and problem-solving skills are an incredible tool that may not seem inherently “feminist” but it is! Children need to learn from the very beginning to keep challenging themselves, both physically and intellectually.
