My son will be 2 in may and he has a big interest in "girl" toys.He is extremely sensitive as well. Advice??

Question

All of the other children in the family are girls (4 1/2 yo sister,, and a 4 and a 2 yo cousin) the only boys are 11 and older (not much help) he isnt going to be in daycare until aug when my daughter goes to prek.he has gotten to where he cries most of the day for various reasons,most of the time for what appears to be no reason at all.also most of the time he only wants to play with his sisters toys-leaving his to collect dust.i know i am probably overreacting-but he just seems to be unhappy all the time.i dont give in to the crying, mostly because i never really know why he cries. his father and i seperated when he was approx 6 months old and since september of last year i have been living with a great guy who loves me and the kids and is great to them. any suggestions on what is making him cry & why he seems to prefer "girl" toys? any thoughts are appreciated thanks in advance

Answer 1

I'm actually really glad you asked this question. I did some studying when my four year old son kept wanting to play with make up and getting mad because he couldn't carry a purse to the store. Dolls, make-up, etc, these are things that society has labeled as feminine. Children don't learn these social customs until they are older. They just want to play with what everyone else is playing with. My son has an older sister for example. So naturally he just wants to do what she is doing. If this is bugging you a little too much, have your boyfriend help him start a monster truck collection, or the movie Cars collection. It worked wonders on my son. He even knows EXACTLY which ones he still needs when we go to a store. The one on one thing will also help with the sensitive side. My son is a little sensitive too (cry baby in harsh, cruel terms), I think it's just a stage. My daughter went through it and now at age 6 is completely over it, now that she is in kndergarten. Your son is lucky to have a mother so concerned about him.

Answer 2

I wouldn't worry about the girl toy thing so much. Kids are all different. His interactions at this point seem mostly to be with females and two year olds love to imitate the behaviors of the people they look up to. I think when he starts school and is around other boys he may begin to show more interest in the things the other boys are doing. Maybe not. Children should be allowed to discover their own interests in their own time. I don't know if the guy you live with plays with him with the "boy toys" or not but this might be a way to help develop an interest in them. He may like them more if another male plays with him. The thing that might be of concern is the increase in crying and over all unhappiness. You know your child and whether this in normal for him. There could be many reasons for his change in mood. If you continue to be concerned you could talk it over with his doctor. I was a preschool teacher for 7 years and have 2 children of my own. I know that any sudden or drastic change in a child's temperment can signal a potential problem. It could be something that seems very minor to an adult such as beginning to potty train, a move, a new sibling, or any number of transitions or changes in their environment. I would think back to the time when you first noticed the change in his behavior. Ask yourself if their where any changes to his life no matter how small. As I said, you know your child best. Trust your gut and seek help from his doctor if needed.

Answer 3

I don't totally agree with a difference in "boys" and "girls" toys at that young an age. I think it's something to let slide for a while. Just because your son prefers the kiddie kitchen to the kiddie machine gun doesn't mean he'll turn out gay. Who does he see the most? You (a woman) and your daughter (a girl). Babies and small children imitate what they see, and he sees women and femininity. That doesn't mean he's doomed. Carrying a purse, wearing makeup, all that stuff is definately girl. But if he's imitating you or big sis "taking care of baby" (playing with dolls) or doing household chores (which, let's face it, are what most "girl toys" are), it could be that he's learning how to be caring with babies or others smaller than him, he's learning to be a nurturing person, he's learning habits that in real life are good for men and women to have (be nurturing, cook, clean, set the table, etc.)

And some babies (and toddlers) are just fussier than others. If you're sure he's healthy, and you're giving him enough love and attention, the whininess may just be a difficult personality.

Work with him, try to calm him when you can, try to distract him when you can. Eventually, I think he'll turn out just fine.

Answer 4

I think this is partly because he has a lot of "women" figures around him and not so many male ones. Try taking him to places where he can interact with other boys and see how he does. About the crying, my son wil be two in June and he is doing the same thing. For every little thing, like droping a toy, or getting frustrated with smthing, he starts the waterworks and runs to me to console him. It's what's known as the "terrible twos". It think it's all a phase, but if your that concerned about it, maybe a child phsychology book will help.

Answer 5

Your Sensitivity Score: 85% You are an extremely sensitive person. You notice everything. You've probably been called overly sensitive before, and it's partially true. Highly sensitive people tend to be highly intelligent. And you just can't turn off that part of you.

Answer 6

It's ok it's just because toys are always better when there someone elses!! And he wants attention from his sister. I did the same thing with my brother when I was little! I was a complete tomboy and as I got older I still became very girlie! I bet you will start to see changes in him when he goes to daycare and is around other kids his age. Good luck and don't worry ;)

Answer 7

Is he looking for more attention from you? Are the "boy" toys he has what he's really interested in? Does he have variety? Is he bored? There are so many questions that could come from this. Try spending more time with him. He's only turning 2 so his tastes are going to vary from time to time according to his feelings and what he's into...(Teletubbies, Sesame Street...whatever). But think about the questions posed above and any others you may come up with. And there are many good parenting sites that give great tips and ideas for children and toddlers according tho their specific ages. If all of this fails...talk to your doctor to rule out any medical problem. Good luck:)

Answer 8

Don't worry. Girl toys, Boy toys, they are all good toys for kids. My 2 year old boy loves to play cooking and tea time. This is perfectly fine.

Answer 9

I wouldn't worry about him playing with "girl" toys. He is so young, it is a curiosity to him. He is just playing and exploring. Parents are the ones who view the toys as "girl" or "boy" toys, but thats just gender stereotypes. Kids may not see it that way. He is probably just a sensitive child, and that's ok too. It may have to do with his father leaving, or it may be his personality...who's to say?

Answer 10

I don't see nothing wrong w him wanting to play with girl toys as of right now he does not gender identify toys. He could just be a sensitive kid nothing wrong with that. If your worried he's going to be gay or a sissy to early to determine but come on not like you'd love him any less if he was