I've always found it hard to connect with other women, I work in a male dominated industry too. I just wondered if having background of common girl interests growing up are a bonding thing and I missed out there ?
My mum was an accidental child 15 years younger than her brothers. She was left to her own devices and was very bookish and clever. She would describes her childhood as tomboy-ish.
When I was born ( I'm the oldest) my Mum said she brought me up the same as she had been, rather than a particularly conscious decision. So I didn't do ballet or gymnastics or brownies. I certainly didn't read books on princesses or to be honest I don't know what might be considered girls toys. She dressed me simply in whatever hand me downs she could get. Generally boys stuff as her good friend had a boy a few months older. I cycled and I mooched about, stared out of the window a lot, grew things. I had one doll a neighbour gave me as a gift.
My brother was born 3 years later and did all the usual boys hobbies football, cricket, rugby. I used to go into his room and look at all his toys, robots, vehicles, building stuff like Lego, whilst I had very little. My parents said I never really wanted anything not quite true, but my mum wouldn't buy me stuffed animals or dolls. Now this could of been favouritism or just my mum not having much either. We weren't particularly wealthy growing up in the 80's.
I have a son myself and a younger daughter and I am conscious not to push unhelpful stereotypes into my daughter. We have lots of toys already, but I wondered if I am replaying history again by not subscribing to getting her girls toys? This thread was inspired by a friend with similar age Dc again older boy, younger girl selling loads of her boys toys as her daughter won't want them, she'll want girl stuff.
Pre Covid my DS attended a princess birthday party, with I was so surprised by. All the girls dressed up and two adult princesses running it. I can't imagine me doing this, am I going to be isolating my daughter. Can you princess and be a feminist?
What are girls toys anyway ? I hope it's ok to post here??