Discussion from Chapters 1 & 2

In Chapter 1, Dobson outlines for us the "Wonderful World of Boys". He says on pg. 4, "One of the scariest aspects of raising boys is their tendency to risk life and limb for no good reason. It begins very early. If a toddler can climb on it, he will jump off it. He careens out of control toward tables, tubs, pools, steps, trees, and street. He will eat anything but food and loves to play in the toilet. He makes 'guns' out of cucumbers or toothbrushes and likes digging around in drawers, pill bottles, and Mom's purse....As he gets older he is drawn to everything dangerous....It's a wonder any of them survive. Not every boy is like this, of course, but the majority of them are....I was one of those kids who lived on the edge of disaster."

We discussed some crazy things our boys, brothers, dads, or grandpas have done in their life. Anyone out there have some good stories to share? Something ONLY A BOY would do?

In Chapter 2, Dobson explores some of the ways boys are different than girls. Corey, who has one girl and two boys, was able to share about watching her 3 little ones play in the backyard and the differences in their play...not unlike Dobson explaining the different ways boys and girls play with dollhouses. "Girls tended to 'play house', using the plastic structure in the traditional way....The boys played with the dollhouse too, but not as anticipated. They catapulted the baby carriage off the roof and generally messed up the game for the girls." pg. 16.

Our question that came out of chapter 2 was, how do we, as parents in an age that has become more gender neutral, encourage our children to be "all boy" or "all girl" without limiting their activities or interests to gender-specific items?

Looking forward to reading your insights!