My boys play with dolls because there is no such thing as ‘boys toys’ and ‘girls toys’, and while I shouldn’t have to explain that to anyone, it seems there are still some people who need to read this list of why playing with dolls is good for all children.
“Mum…. that man said that boys don’t play with dolls, but I do.”
My almost four year old wasn’t upset when he overheard a stranger say that boys don’t play with dolls, he was bewildered and I think on the verge of going over there to correct this man’s obvious miss-information.
Because he is a boy, and he most certainly plays with dolls. In fact, he has his own doll (called Doll Doll) who he sleeps with almost every night. And, even his little brother has a doll, so obviously boys DO play with dolls.
He plays with dolls because we have quite a few of them in our house. Along with lots of trucks, Barbies, Legos, a doll’s house, an enormous train set and lots of other toys, none of which are labelled as boys toys or girls toys, they are just toys, for everyone to use.
He plays with dolls because it is a normal, natural, important thing for a young child to copy and act out roles they see adults in their life portraying. Because many men in his life take an active role in caring for babies and raising children.
He plays with dolls because he is learning and practicing social skills through co-operative dramatic play.
He plays with dolls so that one day he may be a confident, loving and nurturing father, uncle, big brother, friend or partner.
He plays with dolls to practice expressing his feelings, to love openly and honestly, and to know it is ok to show that he cares.
He plays with dolls because he can be anything he wants to be. Because he can choose freely and with confidence his occupation, hobbies and life path.
He plays with dolls because he enjoys it. Because it is fun.
My boys play with dolls, and I’m glad.
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My sons have pre-loved cabbage patch dolls which they have loved too …and undressed, breastfed,bathed (well not the cloth body one) and walked in the prams.
I agree it is a healthy thing for boys to play with dolls.
Wonder what people will make of my fairy crown and tutu wearing boy :)
Fantastic post. I love his forthrightness! I have two girls and a boy and it’s my 3 year old boy who has always played with dolls. Much more interested in them than the girls. Particularly with the dolls house. The role playing and imaginitive play is adorable. He also plays with a lovely old wicker pram that belonged to his Dad when he was a boy. His Dad came from a family of all boys too!
P.S. Not sure why I havn’t come across your blog before – have now! Love it!!
I know the munchkin plays with dolls, and I am totally comfortable with that. He just doesn’t have any at home. The bears (almost identical twin teddies) do the job just as well – and have been dressed in nappies and tissue wedding veils, tucked into to cradles, cuddled, been fed bottles and just about anything else, been invited to tea parties etc etc – things that are usually the domain of dolls. No-one looks at the bears sideways (unless they are hanging out of daddy’s pocket or my handbag, which they regularly are).
Children are natural nurturers – whether to dolls, bears or assorted other soft creatures (or hard ones too – he’s tucked the odd truck into bed too!) I don’t think it’s the actual toy that matters, but the learning and experience behind it.
Amen to that. Well written. I have three boys and they all played with dolls. Good on you for your healthy attitude.
Great post & interesting topic.
In our house i’m the only girl lol. I can’t say i’d go out and buy a doll for my son and he has no sisters to get one from. But if he asked me to get him a doll to play with I wouldn’t say no.
We have a big family (4 boys, 4 girls), so there’s always been a baby around, and my boys always loved playing with dolls! My 2 year old boy absolutely loves playing with his 2 older sister right above him–tea set, dolls, feeding and clothing, rocking, kissing, cuddling, etc. I think it’s the sweetest thing.
Beautiful blog! Dropping by from KBN FB hop!
Have a great weekend,
Ang
“William’s Doll” by Charlotte Zolotow is a great children’s book on this exact subject. My husband was definitely a girl-toy boy-toy minded person until he heard me resd that to our 10 month old son.