Gender equality is such an important thing for young children to be exposed to. How do you nurture equality with your children (and each other) at home?

We encourage open communication and the expression of feelings; our boys are taught the importance of being emotionally healthy.

How do the roles that you both have/share at home impact your children's perspective of equality?

We’re consciously mindful of how we are portraying ourselves and what messages we’re sending to our kids. We take responsibility in actively sharing the load in all facets of life and don’t conform to gender norms or stereotypes, in fact, we like to challenge them.

You seem to have an active approach to challenging notions like 'boys will be boys’; how do you go about ensuring your boys aren't limited by negative gender stereotypes?

We do, we feel it’s about allowing our children to feel safe and comfortable in their own skin. We don’t want them to feel like their masculinity or femininity is challenged by enjoying something not necessarily deemed ‘gender appropriate’.

Phrases like “be a man” and “boys will be boys” don’t enter our vocabulary—boys will be accountable. Expectations of behaviour don’t change between genders, we’re all expected to act like a respectful member to society. We also feel like being accountable and aware of the language we use is so important: knowing the negative connotations behind flippant comments like ‘you’re acting like a girl’.

David plays a huge role in demonstrating that you can be strong and soft. Loving and loyal. He dances and draws, makes lunches and folds washing. Through his actions they see that he is not defined by his strength.