DAD NEXT DOOR

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«DadNextDoor

here. People are notoriously bad at predicting how they’ll act in stressful, unexpected situations. And the power differential in a job interview creates ideal conditions for passivity and submission to authority. Still, I’m willing to bet that the outcome would have been different if the participants were men. The particular circumstances may have pressed the mute button for those women, but why did they have that button in the first place? Where did it come from?

The short answer is: everywhere. It’s so much a part of our culture that we fail to recognize it. We think we’re treating boys and girls equally, and yet we hold them to different standards and expectations. One way to shine a light on this is to play a gender-switching game in your mind. The next time a girl seems bossy, arrogant, strident or impolite, imagine the same behavior in a boy. Does it feel different? How about a boy who seems too timid, quiet or submissive? Would you think of a girl in the same way?

Children are incredibly sensitive to social cues — they’re hardwired that way. To survive as the weakest members of the pack, they intuit its unspoken rules and its implicit expectations. Girls are especially astute this way — they read adults like open books. We may talk a good game about girl power and gender equality, but words aren’t what counts for them. They’re focused on the subtle, more reliable clues that betray our emotions. How does their behavior affect the room around them? When do we smile? When do we seem annoyed? How often do we ask their opinion? How often do we ignore them?

We can’t fake our way through this one. The answer isn’t to say the right words or to buy the right toys — it’s to really walk the walk. Women who can speak out for themselves start out as little girls who do the same. Let’s make sure we really want to hear what they say.

ABOUT OUR COLUMNIST Jeff Lee uses antlers in all of his decorating in Seattle.

Right under your nose!

Kids’ ideas brought to life The Storynauts are actors who lead creative writing workshops for kids at The Bureau of Fearless Ideas (fearlessideas.org), transforming the kids’ stories into fullblown productions of sketch comedy and song. The shows are hilarious, heartwarming, and inspire young writers.

Saturday, March 14 at 3 and 7 pm. Taproot Theater, 204 N. 85th St.

$10 suggested donation. — Sydney Parker

» Romp

Things to do with kids

“Ping Pong Panda Storytime” presented a bilingual reading of the three-book children’s series at Kinokuniya Seattle.

Jumping off the page

Seattle is alive with storytimes every day across the city; here are nine you don’t want to miss

by JIAYING GRIEGEL and ERIKA ALMANZA BROWN / photo by JOSHUA HUSTON

Whether you’ve got an avid bookworm or a reluctant reader,

unusual characters or settings at storytime can get kids excited about reading. Here are nine of the most unusual and fun story times in the Seattle area. Bonus: eight of them are free!

A boatload of stories aboard the Arthur Foss

Tugboat Storytime aboard the 130-year-old Arthur Foss, the world’s oldest wooden tugboat, has been a favorite among preschoolers for more than 20 years. 11 am on second and fourth Thursdays yearround, except for second Thursdays in November and December; Historic Ships Wharf at Lake Union Park, 1010 Valley St.; pre-registration encouraged at nwseaport.org; free

Paws for a good book with Rover

He’s a good listener who doesn’t mind if your beginner reader trips over a few words. For kids who are

5 things to do Outdoor story times

1

PopUp StoryWalk Combine a trail hike with reading at a PopUp StoryWalk. Kids (ages 1-7) will delight in finding the next page of a children’s book while engaging in fitness and fun. Free. popupstorywalk.org and on Facebook

2

Seattle Audubon: Fledglings and Friends Little ones (ages 2-5) explore the outdoors, do an art project, and listen to a story at the Audubon Nature Shop every third Wednesday of each month. March 18, 10:30 am. Theme: Fungus and Mushrooms. Free.

3

Lewis Creek Story Time Solve nature’s mysteries at the Lewis Creek Visitor Center with a story and outdoor time. March 6, 11 am and 2:30 pm. RSVP by 4 pm the day before at 425- 452-4195 or LCVC@ bellevuewa.gov. Free.

4

Story Time at the Miller Library Inspire little gardeners with stories and crafts about plants. Hosted by the UW Botanic Gardens, the Miller Library invites kids (ages 3-8) one Saturday each month. Plant a Seed Storytime. March 21, 10:30 am. Free.

5

Story and a stroll at Mercer Slough Park Listen to a story, then take a walk with a park ranger to learn about wildlife in your own backyard. March 20, 11 am. RSVP at 425- 452-2565 or mseec@ bellevuewa.gov. Free. — Jasmin Thankachen