I am a mother to two boys and a girl. My oldest boy is 4 years old, and he is obsessed with trucks and Ninja Turtles. I also have 23-month-old boy/girl twins who are both infatuated with Elmo. My three kiddos spend most days running around, screaming, and fighting over toys. On a rare occasion, you can find them all cuddled up on the couch, reading books together, or building a city out of Duplo Legos. Like most moms, I enjoy the calm moments {sometimes mere seconds} when they all get along. I don’t ever think twice that my daughter is happiest when digging in the dirt or playing with dinosaurs alongside her brothers.
But recently, my boys have found a new favorite toy…they have been playing with DOLLS. My youngest boy is seriously attached to his new baby doll. A few weeks ago, he found an old doll (most likely from the late ’80s) in my parent’s basement. It’s definitely not the cutest thing, and when you lay it down on its back, it creepily closes its eyes, but he loves it. Since the moment he found it, he can’t/won’t put it down {he’s even started sleeping with it}.
I’m going to be completely honest…at first, I was a little freaked out that he was so into this doll (but it was a step up from the flat green Lego he used to carry around). I even tried to convince him to play with Elmo instead, but any mama of a toddler knows some battles aren’t worth fighting. Regardless, I quickly realized that this baby doll was no different from his Elmo or any “boy” action figure. The only real difference is that dolls are more realistic, and the latter is from the world of fantasy. When all’s said and done, they are both still dolls!
Over the last few weeks, I have completely embraced the idea that my boys play with dolls. Especially since this one doll accompanies us to the library, joins in on family dinners, and has even made a splash in the tub (sadly, baby’s torso is cloth). It’s fun to watch my boys engage in imaginative play together. They like to feed their babies and take them for rides on their tractor. It’s great practice for them to be caring and nurturing. I even witnessed my youngest slam his baby off the couch and then quickly jump off to pick her up and say, “I sorry,” and kiss its head.
Also, when playing with dolls, my boys are copying the things they see their daddy do. Luckily due to the fact my husband owns his own business, he has the chance to stay home with the kids one day a week while I’m away at work. He does preschool drop off and pick up, he makes lunches and dinners, he kisses boo-boos and has learned to style my daughter’s hair.
In our house, my husband and I really don’t have many set roles or responsibilities. We both try to work together to survive each day. All we want is for our children to be happy and healthy. Who cares if my boys play with dolls! Hopefully, they will grow up to be smart, kind, successful individuals…who will also be amazing daddies!
Read the book “William’s Doll”.