Boys and Dolls
Real men wear pink
Real boys play with Dolls
Say what?!?!?!
I had lots of Dolls and playsets growing up. I remember one of my favorite dolly wares as we called them in Grenada was a red tea set given to me by my bestest God mother–Nenny Margaret. I fed my Dolls from them. I made mud pies and bush tea and probably even stole powdered milk and peas to put in them to play under my grandmother’s house.
I love Dolls. I like styling the hair and changing the clothes. I like baby dolls and Barbies. I also like superheroes, teddy bears and action figures.
I knew that when we found out we were having a baby, he or she would play with Dolls.
Deon did not like the idea of boys playing with Dolls. He still does not want Timothy to have any toys that are dolls.
This year, I saw a Moana doll on sale and decided that it is time to introduce the doll to Timothy our 3 year old son. I told Timothy that we can rename her Mercy but he insisted on Moana Mercy.
Since I got the doll about two week before Christmas, I allowed Timothy to see it and then I hid it. He could not wait to play with Moana Mercy. We talked about how we play gently with some toys like dolls. The first gift we opened on Christmas day was a PJ mask watch and he did not want to take it off. Two of his God parents, Auntie K and Uncle Fred got him the watch and other cool educational gifts. We then allowed him to open the big box! It was the guitar and mic set requested and our Blantas -Mr.&Mrs Pryor delivered! The guitar, mic and amp became an instant favorite. He wore his watch and rocked away then entire Christmas day!
Moana was probably forgotten. This morning Timothy woke up and after a few minutes told me that he wanted a baby sister. I just smiled. I thought of the doll still wrapped under the Christmas tree.
After breakfast I pulled her out and allowed him to open it. Mercy Moana! I said yes, we can pretend that she is a little sister and take good care of her.
So she is out of the box. We will play with her from time to time. I want Timothy to learn to play with age appropriate toys and how well to take care of them. Kinetic sand does not go on the carpet. Crayons color paper not the walls. Dolls are treated with gentleness. Eventually we will do more responsible role playing.
I have read many articles and opinions about boys and Dolls. There is the fear or stigma that boys who play with Dolls may develop feminine attitudes and behaviors.
Timothy will be a kingdom gentleMANđ.
Have your girls play with mud and trucks. Boys can have fun with kitchen sets and Dolls. Each toy should be fun and help develop skills needed as adults.
