tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-471732748056698523.post4994047604114814792..comments2023-07-24T11:45:54.702-04:00Comments on The MamaFesto: Boys Will Be BoysA. Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05137001412189392958noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-471732748056698523.post-80269508400816843992011-01-24T21:48:31.719-05:002011-01-24T21:48:31.719-05:00Wow, where to start? This is such a complicated qu...Wow, where to start? This is such a complicated question which, I think, highlights the importance of children having both a strong mother and father. My husband and I both react to situations in completely different, and equally valid, ways. He learns from us both. He has been exposed to a range of play since he was very young, so he will happily play swords, guns or ninjas, as well as cooking in a pretend kitchen or playing Daddy and Baby Puppy. We just exposed him to a lot of different things, and he has always had both girls and boys as playmates.<br /><br />As for the future, I think we both believe in the importance of recognizing, but not being ruled by, your emotions. It's one of the most valuable lessons any child can learn. He is tender-hearted, but we don't want that to control his actions, just inform them. I hope that makes sense.<br /><br />The gun thing? Well, he comes from a family of hunters, so my son and all his cousins have been exposed to dads, moms, uncles, aunts and everyone hunting and sport-shooting on a regular basis. It's a natural fascination for a lot of young children (as are swords, catapults, and ninja throwing stars if you're my kid) and if it continues to be something your son shows interest in, you might consider letting him try target shooting at a responsible gun range in your community. I have seen a lot of the fascination die down in my older nephews and nieces when they actually have to take classes to learn everything there is to know to fire a weapon responsibly and safely...and they have to clean the weapon! Once they have to do all that, they often rethink how cool firearms actually are!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07316392760477363767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-471732748056698523.post-37826168720984379322011-01-24T16:01:30.264-05:002011-01-24T16:01:30.264-05:00Oh, I don't even know where to start on that o...Oh, I don't even know where to start on that one. I have 3 kids, 2 of which are sons aged 11 and 2. The older one has always been the softest-hearted child I've ever met. His pride and feelings are wounded easily. I try to nurture, comfort and soothe, whereas Dad's solution is always "toughen up". I'm sure the best approach is somewhere in between. I tried eliminating guns when he was little. No toy guns, no water guns etc. Seemed that regardless he could and often did make one out of anything, including a banana. I gave up. He played Barbies and watched Dora movies to appease his sister, even when Dad gave him a hard time about it. I figure that all we can do is be supportive, and let them experience a range of things.MissSherriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11985737374557142649noreply@blogger.com