I make a conscious effort to make sure that all of the Sugar Snaps have access to trucks or dolls. I would like our children to grow up to be warm and nurturing people and role play with dolls is helpful practice. I bought a Dora the Explorer doll from a community sale and made sure that each of the Sugar Snaps had time to play with her individually. I set the timer. It was interesting that they all seemed to enjoy combing her hair and spending time with her pretty equally.
My Mom gave the Sugar Snaps a truck book which was at first coveted by Ryder who loves trucks and cars. Then, it organically became the prized book for everyone to have in the car. So, now we take turns and when we go to and from a location, one of the Sugar Snaps gets the truck book each direction. Capri enjoys her turn with the truck book just as much as her brothers. While I try my best to present toys in a gender balanced way, I also love to dress Capri as a “girly girl.” I think it is OK for them to know there are differences in the way boys and girls dress. At the same time, I want to encourage them to be gentle, nurturing, adventurous and bold.
What are your thoughts about toys for boys and girls? Do your kids (students or grand kids) have equal amounts of dolls and trucks or more of one category?
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