Sensitive Zach

50 years ago, toys were prescribed by gender.

30 years ago, our parents tried to prove that we were just taught our gender roles through play and the toys we were given, and gave us toys for the opposite gender.

Now -- it's fashionable to just go with what the kid likes. Or at least that's my fashion. I've been lucky that Zach's favorites, in order of importance, are: Books, cats, cars, and clothes (have I mentioned that for 2 weeks straight he has been twirling every piece of cloth in sight? Perhaps we have a cowboy in the making...) These items were fairly obvious choices and easy to come by.

So I was a little surprised when he took an instant shine to an unattended doll stroller left at the park. It probably had a lot to do with the fact that it is a toy you can push (always a hit in the toddler crowd), but I thought I'd try something...

A new doll and stroller! The moment I took the doll out of the box, he took it and pressed his nose to it's nose (like he does with Sophie the cat), looking deeply into it's eyes. It was heartbreakingly precious. The doll has not really taken on a regular post in his play routine, but an occasional stroll through the house and kiss upon request seem to keep his dolly, and him, happy with their relationship. I love it. The stroller is a regular in the rotation, due to it's mechanical allure.

(It is unfortunate that these toys only come in pink, isn't it?)