That's my problem, I must have skipped school that day...

Stop prying where there's nothing to be found.
I said, IF that was what I was trying to achieve.

I wouldn't depend on a toy to do what I should/could be doing.

It is funny, but that is one the first places all the grandkids go at my mothers house.

what does it mean to teach your son to be a man??? That's my question and that's my problem. Sure, should you teach him to cook in the kitchen - YES, definitely? But play, for children, has more to do with imagination and creativity. If it takes a toy kitchen to allow him to delve into that imagination, then why not? It's the whole "teaching him to be a man" thing that scares me..because what are those roles? what are those things you teach? You don't cook or you don't cry? You be macho and play with guns and kill things and shoot things?

OR

if I'm teaching my daughter to be a woman, "I'm sorry but you can't play with those bugs or in that dirt because that's not lady like."

JUST LET KIDS PLAY and use their creativity.

I stand corrected. I read that wrong.

However, do you think it is one of your parental obligations as a father to teach your son to 'be a man?'

Kind of a funny thread.

Settle down, woman. Jeez...

ah, I know...women are so emotional!

I think cooking is cool actually. That being said I could think of a bunch things I would get ahead of that. That would be on the things to get your boy if he already has everything list.

That gift would never even occur to me.

Man means more moral than shovenist (as you're probably suggesting).

Teaching him things like PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY etc is part of being a parent... wouldn't you agree?

It's not gender specific I guess. I guess it'd be teaching my daughters to be women.

Maybe I should've said well rounded and responsible.

Having said that... I wouldn't buy ANY of my kids a toy gun.
Wouldn't buy my boy a Barbie or kitchen.
Wouldn't buy my girls a toy lawn mower.

Get him a pit bull instead. My son loves his. :)

wouldn't buy him a Barbie or a kitchen?
Wouldn't buy her a lawn mower?

Is this because you're doing your best to debunk the gender roles already placed on those toys? Or is it some other reason?

I'm not setting you up, I'm just curious.

You're drawing your own conclusions.
I said he could play with what ever he chooses.
I'm just not going to provide an exclusive bells and whistles kitchen for him.

If he happens to play with one. So be it.
If my daughters happen to play with worms etc. so be it.

By the age of 3 my oldest was baiting her own hook with a worm.
We're not far off in the agreement category.

roger's a good dude

he's just KEEPIN' IT REAL