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Original poster

Little boys & babies

43 replies

Ahedgehogisveryprickly · 11/07/2019 09:48

Random question but how are your little boys with babies?

I’ve had a couple of incidents recently where young boys have been a bit weird (for lack of a better word) when I go past with DD in the pram.

So yesterday I was walking home which is past a school field and it was break time. 3 boys came to the fence shouting things like “eww it’s a baby” and “wah wah wah”.

Today I went into my local corner shop and a little boy (I’d say he was about 6?) saw me walk in with DD in the pram and he said “no bad baby you can’t come in here” I ignored him and walked in but then he said “muuum are babies allowed in the shop?” Really loudly.

This isn’t a criticism of little boys! (I’ve just found out I’m pregnant again so could well have a little boy next) I’m just a bit baffled and wondered if it was normal?

OP posts:
Holenewme · 11/07/2019 09:49

No, it’s not normal. Older kids quite often aren’t interested in babies but I don’t know why it would be a boy thing? Boys and girls are pretty similar at young ages.

Poetryinaction · 11/07/2019 09:51

Thay's just a coincidence. Any kid can be rude, regardless of whether they are a boy or girl.

JustHereWithPopcorn · 11/07/2019 09:51

I haven't come across this before at all so I wouldn't take any notice of it if I was you

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Nonnymum · 11/07/2019 09:55

It's not normal at all. Most little boys I know are very sweet with babies. I would say it depends on their age and their influencers and role models. Also are they encouraged to play with dolls, be nurturing etc at home and at school or nursery

chipsandgin · 11/07/2019 09:56

Both my boys have always loved babies & have been brilliant when out with friends who have them. My 15 year old now babysits for friends as little ones adore him (not babies though - not sure he’d be a fan of nappy changes! Great at reading stories and inventing games though).

Depends on the child - I’ve had older kids, both boys & girls be really terrible with little ones (leaving them out of whatever they are playing/giving them toys or objects that are dangerous, being totally disinterested etc - usually just that they haven’t been around them or haven’t developed a sense of empathy yet!). Really don’t think it’s a gender thing, more an individual child/circumstance or sometimes parenting issue..

Original poster
Ahedgehogisveryprickly · 11/07/2019 09:58

Thanks all! Again not a criticism of boys as I’m aware girls can be rude too! It’s just the incidents have only happened with little boys.

I was just a bit baffled by it and curious.

OP posts:
hairypaws · 11/07/2019 10:17

Agree with others, not usual. My ds has always loved babies and at a young age was much more loving towards them than my dd.

Rachelover40 · 11/07/2019 10:21

In my experience, boys like and show great tenderness to babies. The boys you mention were probably just showing off to each other.

Minai · 11/07/2019 10:40

I’ve never come across this. My 2 year old son is lovely with his baby brother. I wouldn’t say it a a boy thing.

AzraiL · 11/07/2019 10:45

If there is a baby in the room, my son (recently turned 9) will pick them up and carry them around and play with them for HOURS. At that age he's already told me that he can't wait to be a dad.

ssd · 11/07/2019 10:45

My boys loved little babies. Those kids you mentioned have probably never been told to shut up. Sadly that doesn't just apply to boys.

redcaryellowcar · 11/07/2019 10:59

I have two boys 5&7, they both like babies and the younger one said in a super market yesterday 'oh mum, look at that gorgeous little baby, he's so cute' so I think boys can like babies but probably depends on their parents and siblings attitudes.

Mardybummode · 11/07/2019 11:05

Thanks again all and it sounds like you’ve all got adorable boys!

I had wondered if the school incident was just the boys being silly and showing off but the little boy in the shop was just their with his mum.

Maybe I just live in a very weird area!

Mardybummode · 11/07/2019 11:06

Should say it’s the OP here! Just name changed back to my usual name!

Fundays12 · 11/07/2019 11:10

I haven’t come across this before and think it’s rude. My 2 boys like babies though they wouldn’t necessarily fuss over them. We are due a baby next week and my 7 year old is very excited and can’t wait. My toddler loves his baby doll as he wants to care for it.

roisinagusniamh · 11/07/2019 11:13

Sorry OP but that is just plain sexist! You obviously have preconceived ideas on how boys and girls behave. But you are wrong.

Mardybummode · 11/07/2019 11:22

Wow I touched a nerve @roisinagusniamh sorry!

I didn’t intend to be sexist it’s just the incidents have only happened with BOYS. I just wondered if it was normal and I was curious. I’m not offended or annoyed with the incidents, just baffled. I have nothing against boys! I don’t see how I’m being sexist?

BIWI · 11/07/2019 11:24

Read back what you've posted! Of course it's sexist. You're suggesting - on the basis of two incidents - that boys have an issue with babies.

MrsMiggins37 · 11/07/2019 11:27

My youngest has never been fussed one way or the other but my eldest (now 13) LOVES babies and young children, he always has. He’s brilliant with them and got a kind, caring nature.

roisinagusniamh · 11/07/2019 11:28

OP, why do you think boys and girls behave differently?
Plese see children as children and not define everything they do and say as gender driven....please, for your own child's sake too.

fedup2017 · 11/07/2019 11:36

Not my experience with boys.
Especially around 5-7 have all doted on babies..... In fact my 5 year old pointed out a "super cute" baby in a shop the other day and my 15 year old will pull funny faces at any baby toddler he sees to make them laugh.
However they are prone to showing off to their friends and being a bit of a pain with it .... And rightly get told off for it .
I wouldn't take it too personally. As you will learn as your baby grows , you will always love them but it doesn't mean they will always behave in a way you agree with!

fedup2017 · 11/07/2019 11:38

And you are being sexist.
Boys and girls can both behave badly! You're doing your daughter no favours if you teach her about "nasty boys" and "good girls"

TeapotofTerror · 11/07/2019 11:39

My godson has always been amazing with my baby - now toddler. Much more so than my goddaughters who aren't that interested and my niece who is actively jealous and resentful of him.

bumblebee1987 · 11/07/2019 11:40

My 6 year old DS absolutely adores his 10 week old baby sister. He is gentle, kind and extremely loving towards her. We also have an average of three boys every day after school who flock around the pram and coo over her.

So yes, I'd say the behaviour you have encountered is odd and not the norm at all!

themartinipolice · 11/07/2019 12:30

That's odd.
My boys love babies and are very gentle with any babies and toddlers they come into contact with, ie helping little ones up and down steps.
Please don't think all boys are bad.

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