Is this going to create a new trend in parenting? An Orlando family is making headlines and getting national attention for how they have decided to raise their new baby.
The baby’s name is Sparrow Dennis. But Sparrow’s parents have not declared whether the child is a boy or a girl. They refer to the child using the pronouns “they” and “them.”
“Using they/them pronouns is part of the larger idea of giving Sparrow space of exploring gender without pressure or bias,” said parent Ari Dennis.
This Orlando family is not alone. They now join others around the nation who are now raising their children in a “gender-neutral” way. These parents want to give their babies, or what they jokingly refer to as “theybies,” an opportunity to decide for themselves how they want to identify when they are old enough to know what that all means.
“Girl children are complimented on their appearance way more than boy children. I’m just really removing boy girl from the equation and just treating my child like a child,” said Ari Dennis.
Sparrow’s toys in the playroom are both pink and blue, a mixture of dolls and trucks. But Ari Dennis says that he doesn’t even think about that.
“I don’t think do I have boys toys and girls toys? Are they 50-50? Are we even? I think do I have toys that build? Do I have toys that roll? Do I have toys that are soft?”
The massive decision to raise Sparrow gender-neutral came after the family found several “Theyby” Facebook groups. The parents decided that they wanted Sparrow to grow up in an environment as open and loving as possible.
What do you think about this trend in parenting? We look forward to seeing your comments on this issue in the section below this article.