I am sick of hearing.....

omurray

"must be a boy thing"

"for a boy"

etc. etc etc

I have a 3 yr old DS, and while I'm fully aware that there are physical, emotional, intellectual etc differences between males and females, I really hate some of the stereotypes and mindsets out there.  I feel like I'm constantly hearing some kind of negative expectation/stereotype for boys.  Maybe there are the same things for girls, but I'm not as sensitive to those because I have a boy. 

For example, DS was at a class and one of the other little boys was being very aggressive.  A comment was made about that being "boy energy".  I completely disagree.  Yes, boys (and many girls too) have lots of energy, BUT parents are supposed to help them learn to channel that energy productively and not ignore it and use "boy energy" as an excuse for aggressiveness.  My son was the recipient of the little boy's physical aggressiveness.  My son responded by saying "don't push me, that's not nice".  Another parent commented that it was great that my DS was able to use words and control his emotions instead of just pushing back.  I agreed and then she added "that is impressive, FOR A BOY".   ugh.  I just hate that.  I believe that should be the desired reaction for ALL kids (not that my DS will always get it right, but today he did).  I guess I just hate the assumption that a boy will be physically agressive and it is somehow amazing if they can act civil.  I've heard several other similar type comments with regards to other things like intellectual skills etc..  Just irks me.

 

Aliliv

I agree 100%.  Olivia gets the "she has energy like a boy" and many other comments to that affect.  She is naturally crazy energetic, rough and tumble, and can be aggressive.  She is learning to control these things and "channel" her energy.  But, I don't think those things are necessarily boy attributes:)

AnneUCSB

I totally hear you.  As the mom of (almost) three boys I get stupid comments all the time like, "Oh!  Three boys, you're going to be busy!"  Like I wasn't going to be busy with three girls or some combination there of?  Boys and girls each come with their own temperament and personality- regardless of gender.