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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

How do I tackle this toy issue without offending?

26 replies

PaellaUmbrella · 07/01/2013 11:56

I wasn't sure where to post this, but I know many people in this section feel the same as I do about pink toys for girls, so hope this is the right place.

DD is 21 months old. I have long been interested in the pink stinks campaign and since having DD, have always made a concerted effort to choose gender neutral toys and baby accessories. I also usually opt for other colours in clothing.

Anyway. The "problem" is with my MIL. When getting anything for DD, she always opts for the pink version. We asked for some mega blocks for DD at Xmas, and she chose the pink ones. There was also a pink car. When DD opens the presents, MIL proudly says things like "Pink for a girl!", "Look, it's your favourite colour - pink!" (DD doesn't have a favourite colour, so this is indoctrination as its finest) or "I chose that pink one especially!"

As it's coming up to DD's second birthday, I feel I want to nip this in the bud, or it's going to be a childhood of pink plastic crap presents I would have preferred she hadn't bought. DH knows exactly where I'm coming from, but how do we broach this with her? We don't want to sound ungrateful, and she's not doing anything differently to the majority of people in this country. I fear that she's not going to understand our reasons behind it at all.

OP posts:
Lessthanaballpark · 07/01/2013 20:08

I think you should talk to your MIL. Nicely, I mean. She'll probably disagree with you at first, because most people do when confronted with ideas that are contrary to their own, but she will adapt.

Is there a particular toy that DD wants that blatantly goes against type. If you talk to your MIL about how much DD likes it, and how much she wants it, MIL will come around. Also, talk about the campaign, it will be an indirect way of getting your point across and then if she knows you feel strongly about it, she'll take notice.

After all, she's your DD and you're not trying to force anything on her, just counterbalance the forcing that's being done by society.

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