Before you were born your daddy and I spoke about trying to ensure that you were exposed to a range of toys and experiences that weren't gender stereotyping. One day driving home from a day trip we bought a collection of second hand toy trucks including an army jeep and a bulldozer. As I bought them I remember thinking I would have loved having such bash about toys.
As we were cleaning out the patio area this afternoon daddy and I discussed how you haven't shown any interest at all in these toys. Daddy commented that you did love to play in your little house, usually pretending to make cups of tea for us to enjoy. Your pram has had a lot more attention that the little lawn mower.
Fairies, princesses and butterflies seem to capture your attention over dinosaurs, fire engines and cowboys.
I was a bit of a tom boy growing up. I hope you inherit a bit of that. It's a valuable thing to learn how to climb trees, play cops and robbers and get dirty in the creek.
I watch with interest as you play and learn, wondering if your early displays of femininity are traits you were born with or learnt behaviours from socialising. Either way we hope to help you grow up balanced, confident and comfortable as the human that you are working on each and every day.
PS: As I write I wonder why the word tom boy used for girls who embrace typically boyish activities has much more positive connotation than any of the words used for boys who display a preference for typically girls' activities. And why is it that it's okay for girls to be tom boys but as soon as they hit puberty it is not longer considered appropriate? I wonder if it will still be like this if you decide to have children.
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