Gender and Family Life

Men and women, boys and girls, are different. Stereotypically, boys like big trucks, guns, and wrestling while girls stick with dolls, pink clothes, and tea parties. Fortunately, this is only a stereotype instead of a rule. There are many differences between men and women, specifically in the way they think, but we have reached a time where the line is completely blurred, if even still existent, regarding what "boys should do/like" and what "girls should do/like". 

Then what is the difference between men and women? What roles should each gender play in life, the family, and the world today? 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints released a statement entitled The Family: A Proclamation to the World regarding gender roles in relation to the family almost exactly 20 years ago. 

"Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. 

Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

Obviously there are exceptions in which would not allow for fathers to be the provider and mothers to be the stay-at-home primary care giver and thankfully we have prayer to help us to determine what the best decision for our personal situation would be. 

The role that each member of the family plays, not just mom and dad, effect the entire relationship of the family. That role is determined by many factors, but gender does make a difference.