Yesterday, my son and I were bonding over coloring pages and I was teaching him how to do color blending. I told a friend of mine about it and he reacted with this, "He's a boy! Don't teach him color blending!"
I have to honestly say that I was surprised with this reaction. I really did not see anything wrong with teaching my son color blending but apparently some people thought it was not gender appropriate. However, my son looked like he was having a lot of fun and we were bonding over it. I didn't really see anything wrong with what we were doing.
I want my son to grow up knowing that it's okay to be different because it is. I accept what he is and who he is no matter what and I won't let anyone tell him otherwise. Being different simply means that you are true to yourself. You accept who you are and what you are. Being different is a gift. You get to be you and no one else. If someone is uncomfortable with who you are, that is their problem and not yours.
So to you my son, continue coloring and continue doing what you want regardless of what anyone says. As long as you do not step on anyone's toes and you do not put down someone else, you can be who you want to be and I will be there backing you up every step of the way.
Amen to that! There's no reason certain activities, colors or toys need to be gender specific :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is definitely ok to be different. We are Deaf but we don't let that stop us from doing anything we wanted to do in our lives. Fortunately, we have supportive families that accept us for being Deaf and made sure that we know it is okay to be different.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! We need more people to be like this. :)
DeleteI cannot believe that some people find color blending to be a gender issue! Preach(or should I say Blend!) on, Mama! Do what is best for your child and forget the rest!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura! I really needed to hear that.
DeleteWhy will people not keep their opinions to themselves especially when not asked??? Why would someone try to box a child in! That just annoyed me so much!!! Glad you had the good sense to ignore it.
ReplyDeleteIt was quite hard because that friend was special but I was able to explain and he understood now.
DeleteI like your attitude. None of the activity should be gender based. Even my sister's son loves drawing and coloring
ReplyDeleteThanks. I am learning to be what my son needs me to be.
DeleteA lot of artists, fine arts students, architects, and those who are involved in the arts are men. It doesn't really matter what their gender is, so long as they are happy with it. Good job for not listening to your friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :)
DeleteMy son loves to color and draw, watch Tinkerbell movies, and play with Legos. If he wanted to play dress up or with dolls, I would encourage that too. I don't think it matters how they play, as long as they play.
ReplyDeleteYeah. Play matters. I am working on encouraging my son to do just that as well.
DeleteYou are right and it's definitely okay to be unique. What others are saying shouldn't matter, so long as your son is enjoying what he is doing.
ReplyDeleteIt was exactly what clinched it for me. I saw the happiness on his face and thats what did it for me.
DeleteI think kids should learn and have the chance to do everything! I see absolutely nothing wrong with it at all!!
ReplyDeleteIt's the only way they can find out what they really are into.
DeleteGood for you to teach your son color blending. What a great way to bond :)
ReplyDeleteIt is, isn't it?
DeleteI can't believe it. Good for you keep on. You decide for your family
ReplyDeleteAlways. :)
DeleteI like what you have written! I think like you!
ReplyDeleteItalia Caruso
There is nothing wrong with boys learning about colors. Encouraging art is important.
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