Friday, April 24, 2009

free to be you and me, brahs

My dad and a friend, late 40's

Since we've learned that baby is (most likely) a boy, I've been surprised by some casual, lukewarm summations of raising babies of the male persuasion. Mostly tired cliches about girls being all sweetness, goodness and light while boys are trucks, destruction and kinda mean. It's pretty sexist and I'm bummed that it's come from women who appear to have great men in their lives. Girls rule, boys drool. Boys suck. I know that it's partly a tongue-in-cheek response to sexism women have dealt with, but since when does countering intolerance with intolerance seem like a good idea? The upside of all this is that I've been thinking a lot about how we can raise a child who has pride, love and confidence in themselves and others, regardless of gender.


I think Harry and Marlo said it best. Play us out, guys...

7 comments:

Alex Behr said...

I've never regretted having a son in my life. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me. Matt agrees. You and Chris are going to fall in love w/ your son, his independent spirit, and great sense of humor over and over -- I know it! It's a given, considering what you guys are like and what you appreciate in each other. Plus, you'll get to know pet worms and truck sounds.

Lisa said...

I completely agree with everything you just wrote. It matters not the sex, but how you raise your child. Your manners and values will be your child's-at least til they are teenagers. LOL.

We all fall victim to stereotypes, but as a new parent of a lovely little man, I can say he is a gentle loving soul, and I hope to keep him that way.

stacie said...

I agree. Everyone I know has a girl. I'm glad you are having a a little brah! x

jenene said...

i know a bunch of friends who have had the cutest, sweetest little boys possible. it is all in how you raise them. plus, you can get a momma's boy!

your family has the most amazing family photos - i love this one of your pop and friend!

cookie said...

my little girl is the biggest drooly mess and she loves to destroy everything around her like a baby godzilla. her dad is the most gentle patient loving soul who tugs my skirts down so i won't show too much leg. i fix the car and i yell obscenities out the window. it never occurred to me that she could be anything but open and loving and bursting with confidence because we love and support her so much and we're just doing what comes naturally. your guy will be so incredible because you're so incredible and you have so much to give him.

dell said...

Hi beebs, and bebe.
You'll have a sweet boy fer sure, not to mention funny and inspiring and exhausting...

Harry has the voice of an angel, talk about heart warming...

x

Anonymous said...

I don't know what you are hearing but boys are also super loving and straight-forward. There isn't much guessing when it comes to their feelings. Yeah - they like trucks but mine also like embroidery, baking, and waltzing. It's very sweet! You also get the chance to teach them the things that you like in a man. That's kind of nice.