So I take DS (7) to swim lessons every Thursday, this happened a few weeks ago. We were getting changed and DS noticed another boy had the same towel as him (light blue with green outline), he and the boy were nothing saying how it was their idea to get that type of towel first. I saw another kid standing near them both with the same towel who said “No it was my idea.” DS and other boy asked me who I thought had the idea first and I said “I think it was her idea.” Nodding to the 3rd child.
Third child shouted “I’m a HE!” I apologised and he went back over to his mum, told her (I’m assuming) as she gave me a dirty look. The other kids and parents heard so I was a quite embarrassed.
What’s worse it was the boy’s changing room so I did look very daft! Though parents bring siblings along and into the opposite sex’s changing room to get changed. The little boy had long, red curly hair, soft features - something just clicked in my head that said ‘girl’, I barely thought about it.
I thought that would be the end of it, but no. Weeks on said little boy has been coming over to us and stating that “I’m a he.”, “I’m a boy, you know.”, “You know I’m a boy, right?”, “Why did you think I’m a girl?” I’m confirmed that yes I know he’s a boy and that it was just a moment of confusion on my part.
I didn’t think very much of it but he sounds quite cheeky and then he either stands there staring before going over to his mum or he’s been saying the same to the other boys along with comments of “How is she so stupid?” While glaring at me. Mum has heard the comments and said nothing, other parents just repeat to the boy/their children that it was an accident.
How would you all handle this? It’s making the atmosphere more than just a little bit uncomfortable! 