I have never had qualms or concerns about any gender biased toys my boys would play with growing up. Want to play with dolls? Go right ahead. Wear a dress? Knock your garters and socks off. Stereotypical gender roles within our household do not exist. I do most of the cooking, Steph does the laundry, I iron, she picks up Alice’s offerings in the backyard (how this became her job, I will never know), I do all the grocery shopping, she can make a bed and set a table like a pro and of course we both sit down to pee (kidding, ok, well not all the time, but on the days after basketball, my legs hurt and, well, its a seat, so why not? Yes, I am overcompensating).
The other day I went across town with the boys to watch the Masters with one of oldest friends, He has two girls, one about three years younger than Hud and the other the same age as Tasman. All of them have known each other for almost their entire lives, so the gender playmate dynamic only comes into play with Hud. But he now also plays the age, too cool for school, card, as we expected to happen around this age. Luckily, they have a basketball hoop, so he spent the day perfecting his gangly jumpshot only stopping to tell his Instagram followers how board (sic!) he is.
Eventually Tasman was asked by the two girls if they could put make up on him. Tasman resoundingly said of course and ran up to me to ask if it was OK. I, with equal enthusiasm, told him of course he could and the girls sat him down for a manicure and makeover and he came out looking pretty damn fabulous.
Here’s a look.
Play with trucks, barbies, finger guns, easy bake ovens, any colour Lego, make up, rubber bands, chestnuts, orange hot wheel tracks, skipping ropes…
Anything. Just be safe, be happy and play.
Look at how happy he looks and the colour really plays up his eyes…:)
Yes, yes, and yes. I love it. And I love that HE loves it, just as it is intended for all kids – as play and for fun. There’s no harm in any of that!