Is It Okay for My Son to Play With Dolls?

Can boys play with dolls? Here are some things parents must know about playing with dolls and falling into gender stereotypes. 

Can Boys Play With Dolls?

I have two daughters and a son. My youngest is a boy, so naturally, dolls have already been lying around our living room even before he was born. I did not go out of my way to get him a separate batch of toys and he got so used to playing with his sisters, that using dolls in his pretend play was not a foreign concept.

When he was a toddler, I posted a photo of him playing with his sister’s Barbie doll on social media, and asked my followers, “Is it okay for boys to play with dolls?” Surprisingly, most people who answered said they had no problem with it. Only two people replied that boys shouldn’t play with dolls. 

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and acceptance of children playing with toys that are traditionally associated with the opposite gender. One of the most common examples of this is boys playing with dolls.

Despite the changing times, some conservatives still believe that little boys should not be encouraged to play with dolls. This usually stems from the old way of thinking that boys should only play with “manly toys” because dolls might bring out their feminine side.

However, as child experts point out, there is little reason to believe that feminine play is a precursor to homosexuality in boys. 

“There is no support for the idea that any behaviour will ’cause’ sexual preference to move one direction or another,” says Judith Myers-Walls child development specialist and associate professor at Purdue University in Indiana.

She stressed that behaviours such as playing with dolls or playing house do not cause a boy to become gay, just as those same activities do not cause a girl to become heterosexual.

The Benefits of Boys Playing With Dolls 

While this may be seen as unusual or even taboo by some, there are many reasons why it is perfectly okay for a boy to want to play with dolls.

• Dolls are fun and engaging toys that can help children develop their imagination and creativity. Boys, like girls, can benefit from playing with dolls, as it encourages them to create stories, scenarios, and characters, and to explore different roles and emotions.
• Playing with dolls can help boys develop their empathy and emotional intelligence. Dolls can be used to role-play and act out various situations, and this can help boys understand and express their own feelings, as well as those of others.
• Playing with dolls can help boys develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Dolls come in different sizes and shapes and often require the use of small accessories and clothing items, which can help boys develop their dexterity and precision.
• Playing with dolls can help boys learn about diversity and inclusion. Dolls come in a wide range of ethnicities, body types, and abilities, and this can help boys see themselves and others in a more inclusive and positive light.
• Playing with dolls can help boys learn about caring and responsibility. Many dolls are designed to be nurtured and cared for, and this can help boys develop their sense of responsibility and caregiving.

• Playing with dolls can help boys learn about different cultures and traditions. Dolls are often based on historical, cultural, or fictional characters, and this can help boys learn about different customs, beliefs, and stories from around the world.
• Playing with dolls can help boys develop their social skills and friendships. Dolls can be played alone or with others, and this can help boys learn how to interact, communicate, and collaborate with others.
• Playing with dolls can help boys challenge gender stereotypes and norms. Boys are often expected to play with certain toys and engage in certain activities, and playing with dolls can help boys break free from these limiting expectations and express themselves in their own way.
• Playing with dolls can foster a strong bond between you and your son. By playing with dolls together, you and your son can share quality time, create memories, and strengthen your relationship.
• Playing with dolls can be a healthy and safe alternative to other types of toys, such as violent or aggressive toys. Dolls can provide your son with a more peaceful and nurturing play experience.

As someone who didn’t want her children to be confined to gender stereotypes, I paid no mind to those couple of people who believed that boys shouldn’t play with dolls. I want my son to be comfortable with being nurturing and affectionate, as I want my girls to be brave and strong. 

So I still let my son play with whatever toy he likes – dolls or cooking sets, just as my girls can play with their brother’s action heroes and toy cars. 

In conclusion, it is perfectly okay for your son to want to play with dolls. Encourage and support his interests, and allow him to explore and learn through play. Dolls can provide many benefits to children of all genders and can help them to develop their creativity, empathy, and social skills.

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