My son’s third birthday is coming up and he has one thing on his wish list — a baby doll. He doesn’t want the latest Star Wars action figures or the newest Lego sets. He wants a soft, cuddly baby doll that he can wrap in one of his old blankets and carry around as a friend. I intend to get him just that.
While my parents would never imagine getting my brothers something pink, let alone a doll, I on the other hand didn’t even bat an eyelash. Why?
I don’t want him growing up thinking that being affectionate or caring is just a “woman” thing. I want him to be able to express himself and know that he can achieve whatever he wants — gender roles aside.
Perhaps he wants a doll because he sees his father have such a hands on roll being a dad and an uncle — carrying, feeding, playing, soothing and changing babies on the regular. Whatever the case may be, who am I to deny his request? There are so many ideas and constructs that imposed on children at a young age. Why let this be one of them?
I can’t wait to watch him open his present on his birthday. I know I’m making the right choice.
Moms, would you buy your son a doll?