Mum re-writes daughter's sexist school worksheet

Parents being asked for help with their children's homework isn't uncommon, but one New York mum has taken the request to a whole new level.

Lynne Polvino decided to rewrite her daughter's entire worksheet when she was unhappy with what she read.

Polvino noticed a sexist tone in the task, a "fill in the blanks" story about a young girl, Lisa, feeling upset that her mother was returning to work.

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Posting the original document and her updated version on Facebook, Polvino wrote: "Here's the homework assignment my daughter brought home yesterday, side-by-side with my rewrite."

In the original story, Lisa was "not happy" her mother was back at work.

"Before Lisa was born, her mother worked in a big office. Yesterday, she told Lisa that she was going back to work," it read.

"The morning was terrible. Lisa had to get to school on time. Her father had to get to work on time. And now, her mother was in a rush, too."

Lisa's father made her breakfast but it was "not too good", and the story ended with the mother "coming home early" and "relieving" her daughter's anxieties.

Polvino wrote: "Note, in this story the man can't cook because he is a man, obviously."

She rewrote the story to tell a more positive narrative about parenting roles.

"Lisa was happy, her mother was back at work. Before Lisa was born, her mother worked in a big office," the revised edition read.

"Because it valued her important contributions to the workplace, her employer offered nearly a year of paid maternity leave and flex time upon her return."

Explaining Lisa's father was home on his "paid paternity leave", Polvino's refreshed story had him "caring for Lisa's younger brother and contributing equally to the running of the household."

"Lisa's father made breakfast. It was very good and he had Lisa wash the dishes because all functional humans should learn to clean up after themselves," she continued.

Polvino concluded her story with a powerful sentiment: "Lisa was glad she was growing up in a society free of gender bias and misogyny."

Her post received more than 14,000 likes and 424 shares.

"I LOVE THIS MOM!! She is teaching her child to think critically, and question the misogynistic narrative that others write!" wrote one user.

"I absolutely loved Lynne's rewrite! Fantastic job. Excellent points!" commented another.

One commenter posted a simple "fabulous" in response to Polvino's efforts.

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