Boys and Baby dolls

Grandpere made Daniel Tiger, his grandson, a doll resembling Daniel Tiger and his baby sister Margaret.
Daniel learns to care for the babydoll. He pretends to be a dad caring for the babydoll. Later in the episode he prefers to role play instead of playing with his friends but they later join him, pretending to be the baby and Daniel Tiger, the dad. My son does the same long before seeing this episode. I know it is natural for children to pretend to be many things including family members.
Children are supposed to role play age appropriate roles as they grow and learn by observation, practice and also by imagination.

Many individuals have concerns over boys playing with dolls, kitchen sets and doing REGULAR FAMILY THINGS that are considered feminine or just for girls.
(Phobia in some communities that playing with dolls will make boys into ‘sissies’ is for another post)

On the other hand, some may not give Girls the mechanic toys or car sets or even STEM toys.

I believe that Toys are for learning through fun play. I strive to be careful in selecting what toys I buy for Timothy as well as what we receive as gifts for him. I also believe some things are more for one gender than the other.
Barbie dolls are different from baby dolls.

When adults push unnecessary and mature ideas onto children who are innocently playing and learning, children become confused and curious in the wrong direction.

Bottom line-
Teaching gentleness and care and responsibility is not just for one gender. It is okay for boys to learn and embrace their identity as boys and that it is okay to play appropriately with baby dolls!