Is it normal for a boy to play with girls toys

My son is a brilliantly intelligent boy. He is popular with his friends and his grades are top notch without even trying.He doesn't play sports and can't ride a bike. He's nine years old and has no interest in those. He loves Star Wars, especially the female characters. He loves Twilight, again the female characters. He played with babies as an infant and has a "padme" barbie. He is always brushing her hair. I have even caught him wearing my clothing, the frilly stuff. He knows society thinks it wrong, because he hides his doll in public, like under my car seat. Sometimes he comes home crying that some of they boys are making fun of the way he looks and when I ask why he says because he stands like a girl. I tell him its ok to be you. That I am proud of the young man he is. My son is extremely smart for his age and sensitive. He has amazing empathy for people and cares like no other boy I know. He has many friends that are girls and yes, one "girlfriend". They are going out you know. My problem is how do I protect him from getting made fun of in school? I've tried to get him to do boy things, try new things, but he doesn't like them. People take one look at my child and they say he's going to be gay. It makes me angry. If he is, he is. This behavior and personality has been with him from the beginning. He was born this way. I have a younger son, who in no way, shape, or form would ever touch a doll. He's a boys boy who wants to be the strongest, fastest, superhero (he's six) in the world. I know my son is going to get hurt eventually by people who don't understand. I just wish there was a way to protect him and allow him to be what even my dad said to me, Yourself.

Is It Normal?
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Comments ( 12 ) Sort: best | oldest
  • You are a terrific mother. You can't stop the world, but you can be there for him when he needs you. Make sure he knows that. But don't over do it.

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  • dont be worried about other peoples opinion your child just find sympathy for dolls :)

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  • I used to give haircuts to my sister's dolls and I didn't turn out to be gay. Actually, when I say haircuts, I mean crew cuts and then worse. I pretty much invented "Bald Barbie".

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    • sounds like my other son. he turned one of my boys barbies into iron man using nail polish. my nine year old thought it was "ssoooo coooolll" that he didnt get angry at his younger brother destroying his doll. now about my carpet? thats another story.

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  • If he wants to play with barbies then i say let him.

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  • Not normal. Boys should play w masculine toys not Barbie dolls

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  • You can not protect him from others, i am sorry... Life is cruel, it will be difficult. But he will overcome it and you can help that. Just be sure that he doesnt start to rely too much on you, i mean he should not thing you are the greatest but keep going to others. Dont be too much for him... I know how hard it is for a mother. And i know you probably dont see where you are doing too much. But he has to be by himself during hard times so that he learns by himself what to do to ease his own pain (without going to his mother), search the problem and deciede what is next.

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  • he is looking under the skirts so stop whining about your hetero son!

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  • Congrats on being a great mom. Kids always find reasons to pick on eachother.
    I really like the fact that you accept the possibility of him having a different sexuality, though playing with dolls doesn't necesarily mean that.
    My brother is exactly like your son, sensitive and a bit girly, and my mother is terrified of him ever being gay. When i asked her why, she talked about it like it was a terminal illness. Don't ever be like this.
    In other words, yes, it's normal. Someone's gender is more complex than this. I honestly doubt there's 1 person who is 100% male/female according to stereotypes.

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    • I dont' think i could ever be that way with him. When I look at my son, I'm proud. I'm proud of everything he has accomplished. I am proud of who he is. I am blessed he's mine.

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  • You seem like an amazing mom. Let him do the things he wants and act the way he wants. All you can do is tell him other kids may make fun of him for doing it.
    Keep the line of communication open. You want him to feel comfortable talking with you.
    He seems like a wonderful boy. :)

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  • People are always going to be judgemental, my brother was the exact same as your son when he was young, he had a tea set and preferred to play with more girly toys.

    He eventually told us he was gay but it took him ages to accept it himself. All you can do is be the best mother (and you already sound like a wonderful one! :D) and be there for him, to reassure him and comfort him. Of course, you must allow him to be himself and unfortunately some kids will most likely try to be mean to him.

    You must let him know he is precious and loved, make sure he knows to pay no mind to their nastiness. Also, allow him to know you are always their to talk about whatever, whenever. It would be best to let him come to you though.

    I can see you truly care for your son and I'm also sure the both of you will be just fine. :)

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