In our society, traditional gender roles often dictate certain tasks as being “for boys” or “for girls.” Boys are typically encouraged to be hands-on with tools and sports, while girls are expected to learn cooking, cleaning, and laundry. However, Nicole Boulogne, a single mother from Michigan, challenges these stereotypes by teaching her children valuable life skills from a young age.
Nicole’s 7-year-old son is no stranger to household chores. He washes dishes, cleans the house, and even helps with cooking. When she shared pictures online of her son engaging in these tasks, she faced criticism from people who believed that these responsibilities were meant for women. But Nicole is determined to raise independent children and sees no reason why cooking and cleaning should be limited to a specific gender.
As a single mother, Nicole takes care of everything around the house. She understands the importance of teaching her children to be self-reliant and capable. Her elder child is already proficient in basic housework, yard work, and cooking. Nicole plans to teach her younger child, who is still a toddler, these skills as she grows older.
When asked why she believes in teaching her child these tasks, Nicole’s response is powerful. She explains, “I want to prepare my son for life. These skills are not limited to one gender. He may one day be a single man living on his own, capable of doing laundry and cooking meals instead of relying on delivery every night. He may want to impress a significant other someday with a meal they made together. And when he has a family of his own, he will need to help out around the house. By teaching these skills, I am equipping him to contribute to society in multiple ways.”
Nicole firmly believes that parents have a responsibility to teach their children skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. For her, cooking and household duties are not assigned gender roles. She wants her son to grow up to be the kind of man who can change a tire and then check on his pot roast, someone who can mow the grass and do laundry simultaneously. In her eyes, a man who shirks his domestic responsibilities was once a child who wasn’t taught any better.
Research supports Nicole’s teaching methods. Studies show that children who are allowed to help around the house develop a sense of responsibility, learn to take calculated risks, and achieve their goals. By instilling these life skills in her son, Nicole is setting him up for success in both his personal and professional life.
Nicole Boulogne, we applaud you for being an exceptional mom. Your commitment to teaching your child independence, responsibility, and breaking gender stereotypes is truly admirable. By empowering your son with these valuable skills, you are ensuring that he can contribute to society both within and beyond the home.
