The surprising ways Americans are raising their children

Pew researchers found that most American adults are open to the idea of exposing young girls and boys to toys and activities that are typically associated with the opposite gender. In other words, boys are able to do the same things girls are allowed to and vice versa.

Still, women are more likely than men to say that deviating from traditional gender norms is a good approach to take in raising both girls and boys.

There are also clear generational differences that are tied to child rearing. Younger generations are generally more open to deviating from the typical girls versus boys mentality, especially millennials.

About 81 percent of millennials say it’s a good thing for parents to encourage their girls to engage in activities that are typically associated with boys, while about a quarter of both the Baby Boomer and Silent Generations think that’s a bad idea.

On the other hand, 69 percent of millennials say it’s a good thing for parents to encourage young boys to play with toys and pursue activities normally associated with girls, while older generations don’t support such a move as much.