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When Boys Won’t Be Boys: A New Perspective on Masculinity
Shattering stereotypes and embracing new ideals
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My son is not like other boys.
I watch him at kid parties; he is smiling; he seems to be having fun, but he hangs back.
The other boys rough and tumble and throw cups across the room with force. My son dodges the projectiles and moves seats to sit where his head won’t be hit by a flying apparatus.
When it’s time to drive the go-karts, the other boys are excited.
They suit up and live out their wildest race car driving fantasies. At the same time, my son puts on the safety gear, getting as close as sitting in the go-kart before deciding that driving fast around a race course is not his jam.
Without any concerns about what others may think, he exits his vehicle and states that this isn’t for him.
When it’s time to eat the party food, he doesn’t push and shove to reach for the candy or demand the most significant piece of cake; he sits calmly in his chair and waits his turn.
The boys finish eating, jumping up, and running wild from the sugar. I make sure my watchful eyes are not too far away so he knows I’m still there, but not too close…
