When I was a little girl I loved nothing more than to make mud pies and play with my brothers cars and games. It was fair to say that I was a bit of a tomboy in fact. Having two older brothers certainly made me more rough and tumble. I would go back in the house on a late afternoon, covered in grass stains with all kinds of shit tangled up in my long blonde hair. We were never mocked back then, kids played, with what, didn’t ever come into the equation. I mean, who cared? I also played with dolls and my little ponies in equal measures, you know, the toys that are deemed as ‘girls’ toys, there was no poxy divide.
The world will surely end because my boy has put love hearts on his Mr Potato Head!
Since becoming a Mum with kids of my own, I like to think that my kids can have the same fun childhood that I had. Not having to worry what colour the toy is, or whether or not it’s a bit ‘girly’. I have two little boys, and yes they do like cars and dressing up as superhero’s granted. But If one of my kids wanted say, a dolls house, then why should I feel like it’s not quite right for them to have one? Well that’s just it, I don’t care. If they want one, I would be fine with that.
Barbies Or Captain America, Who gives a shit?
My boys have a play kitchen. It has all of the accessories from little cups and saucers, microwave etc etc. I once heard in conversation that a certain parent wouldn’t buy their lad a kitchen as they thought it was too girl orientated. So do boys not grow up to become chefs then? Is it just women that spend time in the kitchen? Gordon Ramsay hasn’t done so bad has he? He makes my cooking look like a sack of shit hehe.
What if little Tom down the road wants to play with a doll? Should that be frowned upon because they are ‘for girls?’ Certainly not! Some little boys grow up to have children of their own, and become awesome Dads believe it or not! They, like girls, are merely imitating a family surrounding, what’s so wrong about that? They are learning to nurture, to care for others, so to try and put a stop to that by stereo typing is bloody barmy if you ask me.
There’s enough pressure in our society today as it is, so many expectations and milestones to meet up to. So if your daughter wants to play with toy soldiers or dinosaurs or cars then good for her. And so what if your little boy wants a pink teddy. They are playing, they are experimenting, they are learning, they are kids! I for one won’t judge but I will be the first to have an answer ready for somebody who does!
I would love to hear your thoughts on this, please do share them below!
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I agree with you, children should be allowed to play with whatever they choose regardless of gender. I’ve sadly heard so many comments from people about how their little boys aren’t allowed to play with dolls as their dad’s don’t like it ! Let kids be kids I say.
They really should Angela. It is so sad that they are expected to act a certain way, or play with a certain toy.
I totally agree let them be kids. Thanks for popping by 🙂
I always tend to think that my son is just drawn to the typical ‘boys toys’ – cars, planes, basically vehicles – but having said that, he absolutely loves his play kitchen and tea party set. It’s just that I’ve always considered those to be gender neutral toys, but I suppose a lot of people wouldn’t. I don’t tend to push him towards any particular toys – whatever he fancies playing with he can!
So true Jayne, there is far too much emphasis on gender stereotypes, especially when it comes to toys. Harry is obsessed with princess dresses and dolls, in the same way that Megan loves playing with cars and trains. What’s so wrong with letting children be children and simply playing with toys, full stop. xx
I agree kids should play with whatever makes them happy, my boys loved the home corner at nursery when them were little. My 10 month old girl won’t let go of her brothers football. As long as they are playing that’s the most important thing.
I totally agree with you my little boy loves cars but also plays with prams and I wouldn’t stop him in fact I’m buying him one for his birthday he loves putting a doll in it and pushing it around xx
Such an interesting post. I agree that children should be able to play with whatever they want
I’m not really fussed what my children play with. Having a boy and a girl, they often share whatever toys they have so have access to both ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ toys.
My 10 month old daughter plays with light sabres and wears clothes from the boys section. She also wears dresses with unicorns on them! I couldn’t care less what she plays with as long as she’s happy.
Absolutely! Toys are just toys! Both of my boys had dolls and a buggy to push them in. Even though my younger son can’t walk, he still liked to put his baby in the buggy.
I think all children should have the same opportunity to play with a variety of toys. My boys played with dolls as well as construction toys specifically designed for boys. Gee loves boys toys so does it really matter as long as they are having fun x
Hehe I remember making mud pies too!! Having 4 kids I am glad they never wanted to make any lol. I think kids should be able to play with whatever they want to. My boys will have played with girls toys before, and my daughter will have played with boys toys before. It is just part of growing up 🙂
I totally agree – toys are toys, they shouldn’t be labelled for girls or boys. It just sets up this idea right from the beginning that there is something somehow ‘wrong’ wth wanting a toy from the opposite aisle.
I don;t see why it has to have a name – all my kids are treated the same, have the same toys available to them and are allowed to play how they like. Sebby loves to push eliza’s dolls around in the pram and she likes to play with his Imaginext Batman……….that is how it should be
I also have a brother so I remember playing with his toys, although most of the times I use them with my Barbies…hahah anyway, I get your point and I know one couple with a young toddler that loves to play with his kitchen so we bring it that kind of toys, why not? x
Love this! Children should be children! They don’t care what colour the toy is or if it a “boy toy” or “girl toy” it’s adults that push that fact and it’s annoying. My son wanted a barbie so bad because of barbie in toy story so in the supermarket I wanted to get him one and an old couple in the same Isle as me gave me the dirtiest look and we’re whispering to each other, I just gave Leon the barbie and told him that he can have what ever he wants because it’s a TOY.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
my 3-year-old loves cars , trains and diggers and playing builders.. she’s a girl and i encourage this.. she also loves teddies and dolls and princess dress up.. but her favourt thing is to dig in the muck… shes a child thats what they do .. great post..
People who think kids should only play with a certain kind of toy, are quite frankly, bonkers. I couldnt care less what my kids play with so long as they are quiet! I find having kids of both genders in the house helps with this as you naturally have a cross section of toys to play with. #brillblogposts
I have always let my kids play with whatever they want. This year my youngest boy as asked for shopkins for Christmas, His cousin laughed at him and said get the grossery gang ones, they are boys. But my sons prefers the shopkins, so thats what I am getting him
I think of gender neutral parenting as a lot stronger than what you’re describing. What you’re describing is normal child led parenting, where parents foster their children’s interest in whatever toys they like playing with .
For me I think anything role play is suitable for both. My son wasn’t interested in ‘girls’ toys – although he loved my old toy pushchair (for pushing round his tractors and teddy). But he wouldn’t touch dolls at nursery or friends houses. He was all about wheels real or on toys.
I let mine play with what they want. If they want to climb trees or dig through mud so be it. I don’t see the problem in them having fun 😉