Thread: Why do they like grossing out?

Heh heh!
Poor little guy! Was he embarrassed puking in front of everyone? I would be.

I don't know, but I often wonder:

If society as a whole didn't have the "boys will be boys" attitude, if it weren't assumed that all boys want to destroy things, are fascinated by competition and fighting, or have to somehow "prove" their maleness with such displays, how would boys be different?

Hmmm....I'm not sure. I work really hard both in class and with my own *personal* children (usually referred to as the Short People) to not influence those sorts of societal norms and expectations.

I dressed my little girl in "boy" clothes, and neutral clothes, and frilly dresses. She had cars and dolls and blocks to play with, as did her brother, who up until he started school would be appreciative and delighted if she gave him a coat or sweater from her closet.

He still talks about farts and poop and wants to wear camauflage clothes. She still likes to put on nail polish.

As for the fish display in my class, I didn't insist they all had to participate, but I STRONGLY SUGGESTED they should be able to engage in this sort of learning and appreciate the opportunity.

The boys just automatically started in, well, being boys, because there is truth to that sentiment--they ARE hardwired to behave certain ways.... doesn't mean we have to promote, but it also doesn't mean it would cease if we didn't. (IMHO)

Lisa

if it weren't assumed that all boys want to destroy things, are fascinated by competition and fighting, or have to somehow "prove" their maleness with such displays, how would boys be different?

Who said it was assumed...it could after all be true. :twisted:

JohnBoy wrote:

Who said it was assumed...it could after all be true. :twisted:

My own sons tell me that it's true; that they learned to modify their behavior for public civility early in life, but that those inclinations never really leave.

So am I the only woman who never liked dress-up, dolls, make-up, nail polish, etc.? Who could outclimb, outrun, and outfight the boys as a kid, and still prefers cleaning the barn to cleaning the house?

My mom was constantly trying to dress me up and get me to do "girlie" things. I guess that answers my original question, at least in my case.
:wink:

No...last year one of my students brought me a picture of the deer she shot while out hunting with her dad...and later she let me have some of the jerky she made out of it. And we have plenty of "cowgirls" out this way that like to play outdoors.

Originally Posted by Kelley_the_Gardener

So am I the only woman who never liked dress-up, dolls, make-up, nail polish, etc.? Who could outclimb, outrun, and outfight the boys as a kid, and still prefers cleaning the barn to cleaning the house?

My mom was constantly trying to dress me up and get me to do "girlie" things. I guess that answers my original question, at least in my case.
:wink:

you are not alone!!! i could outclimb, outrun, outfight, and outplay any boy in my class...still can hehe!

my oldest is a tomboy all the way. my youngest is girlie, but also likes the outdoors and "boy" things. she just wants to wear pink while she does it and fix her nails when she's done.