Master or mistress?

If you have ever doubted how words can change the perception of gender, simply search 'master' and then 'mistress. See the difference?
    'Master' comes up with positive, strong images, whereas the female version either involves curves and blonde hair or pets.
    This is just one example of how the words we use matter. When talking to our children, especially, we should be careful of the implications of gender stereotyping: praise your little girl for 'mastering' the art of writing, or riding her bike.
    Don't even get me started on the use of 'Mr'. A man will be called mister all his life, but a woman must juggle with the change from 'Miss' to 'Mrs' and, in my case and many others, across to 'Ms'.
    The words we use matter and they can have a detrimental effect so easily. Let's try to stop it.