Should I separate their toys based on gender?

Toys are not just entertainment. They are tools that shape thinking, imagination, motor skills, and social understanding. When toys are separated or restricted based on gender, children are denied the full spectrum of developmental opportunities. For example, playing with dolls fosters empathy, storytelling, emotional regulation, and communication. Construction toys like blocks or toolsets support problem-solving, spatial reasoning, planning, and fine motor skills. Both boys and girls benefit from both types of play. Artificially assigning toys based on gender not only narrows their cognitive growth but can also send subtle messages about what is expected of them.
When children are given free access to a wide variety of toys, from kitchen sets to building kits, from puzzles to dress-up items, they naturally gravitate toward what resonates with their curiosity and personality. Some boys may find great joy in nurturing play, while some girls may thrive on assembling tracks or fixing objects. The key is to observe without judgement and to offer gentle encouragement for exploration. Letting children cross traditional play boundaries fosters creativity, confidence, and adaptability.
It is also important to reflect on how adults talk about toys. Labelling something as ‘just for boys’ or ‘only for girls’ limits not just play but self-perception. Over time, children may feel ashamed or hesitant to try something they enjoy, believing it is inappropriate for their gender. Instead, celebrate their interests and offer vocabulary that supports their choices, ‘You are really good at building that,’ or ‘It looks like you are caring for that doll with so much love.’