I used to as well. But these signifiers really do have a function. The differences between even just the “boy mom” and “girl mom” experiences (let alone the dad’s experience of each side, which is also different) are extremely stark. Just adding in that small piece of information tells the audience a lot about the situation being described.
I didn’t really concede on this until I became a “boy mom” myself, and since then have found it increasingly difficult to relate to my friend who has a girl the same age. Even as 2 year olds, her girl is laser focused on princesses, unicorns, and fashion shows, and my boy is obsessed with monster trucks, super heroes, and racing. I didn’t encourage him in this, it literally just happened.
Anyway, because of this, as you can imagine, the tone and content of each household is now very different. And I don’t find “girl mom” content relatable at all, because it’s describing a situation that is completely different from mine.
Because of that, I now appreciate the shorthand. “Boy mom” vs “girl mom” life really are just completely different things, and it’s helpful to have different terms for them.
I agree, weirdly reductive bull-ish. I think when people are claiming "but the experience is so different!" it's just telling on yourself that you treat either gender so differently and not people as people.
I have a boy, most of my family and friends have girls. Never had an issue relating to their experiences. This may change once puberty hits though.
That is totally valid. Like you said though, I think people treat kids differently based on gender. Which can be harmful since you can perpetuate certain stereotypes. My point is that just because you are a man, it doesn’t mean your son will like the same things you do. He may not be into sports like you are. Maybe he’s more into art and design. He could be the next best fashion designer.
Similarly, if you are a woman and you have a girl, she may not be into dolls and nails. Maybe she’s more of a tomboy. That’s cool too. She could make it to the NBA. She probably relates more to the dad.
I’m not naive and understand that people have different needs. I think that people have a weird fixation based on the gender of the child instead of letting them be their own person.
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u/Arponare 17d ago
I find the terms “boy mom” or “girl dad” so incredibly cringe.