Guns ‘n’ Roses Katie Roberts chatted to Mumsnet and Facebook users this month about gender specific toys…
TOYS AIMED solely at boys or girls and parents’ attitudes towards them seems to be a controversial subject among both Mumsnetters and Facebook users. This month’s subject was the first to unite all respondents on one topic so far, though. We asked parents if they were happy for their children playing with toys aimed at the opposite sex – and all of them said they were. So despite all the products out there aimed specifically at either boys or girls, it seems that most parents are actively encouraging boys to play with what are traditionally thought of as girls’ toys and vice versa. ‘Theonewiththehair’ tells ToyNews: “They play how they want and
APRIL 2012
neither DH [Darling Husband] or myself would have it any differently.” ‘Browneyesblue’ adds: “DS [Darling Son] has recently taken to
generic toys are bought out in pink to target the girls market.
‘Madwomanintheattic’ comments: “ I do have a very real concern about
My son is very keen on his ‘baby’ and his pink buggy. I wish more parents let
boys play with pink stuff/dolls, etc. I don’t want him to be told it’s wrong. Mumsnet User
shouting ‘baby’ and reaching for dolls whenever he sees them in shops etc, so DH and I bought him a set of two baby dolls yesterday.” It also seems to bother Mumsnetters and Facebookers when
the limitations of toys on offer for girls. The utter barrage of pinkery is sending a very clear message to young children about the role and value of women in our society.” When asked whether their sons
lean towards playing solely with ‘boys’ toys’, 79 per cent said their children played with both boy and girl-related products. ‘JaneB1rkin’ says: “DS2 is very
keen on his baby (Baby Annabel’s brother; we call him Hannibal) and his talking Chou Chou, plus his pink buggy.
“I love it – nothing wrong with it. I wish more parents let their boys play with pink stuff/dolls/babies, etc. I don’t want him to be told it’s wrong by kids who have been laughed at for the same.” ‘GJR’ continues: “In my experience
boys like ‘girls’ toys just as much as they do. Our three year-old girl has a workbench and gets as much pleasure