Thomas and Nanci Kuykendall

At 08:38 PM 11/07/1999 -0500, you wrote:
>From: "A. Yates" <hooperck@...>
>
>I need help finding something for my son. He is turning 5 in a couple
>weeks, and wants a backpack carrier for his baby.
>Natural Baby used to carry one, but don't anymore. Does anyone know
>where I might find one?
>Thanks,
>Ann

I know that there is a doll sold in major toy stores which comes with a
back pack carrier, but I don't know about buying one seperately. Let me
say though, that it is nice to hear someone else who has a son who is
attached to his doll(s.) I get those same sideways looks and amused smiles
from my ex-playgroup aobut my son's dolls as I do about him kissing the
other children (boys too!)

An uncomfortable sort of, "Oh! You're teaching him to be sensative! Well
I suppose it's allright at this age, but he'll be too old for that sort of
thing soon. And you don't want to encourage that sort of un-masculine
behavior too long...."

It really sickens me, and was the last straw for me with that previous
group. I mean, why should boys be treated differently simply by virtue of
the fact that they are boys? I believe in treating each child as an
individual and parenting them each to their unique personalities and
interests, not directing their play and guiding their interests. Luckily I
have a very wonderful husband who does not feel that his or his sons'
masculinity are threatented in any way by being sensative, showing emotion,
or doubt, being caring and affectionate, etc. Our boys play rough and
tumble sometimes, but they are just as likely to want a cuddle, to nurture
or parent their dolls or stuffed animals, or play cooking as they are to
play sports or build with blocks. I hope to raise them to be well rounded
and whole men, not particularly macho men.

Nanci K. in Idaho

A. Yates

Both my boys love their babies. They play with them differently than my
daughter does, but they do enjoy them.
I never encouraged them to play with or hid dolls from them. They both want
carriers and beds for their babies. Hubby slightly disapproves, but not enough
to say anything. I think his feelings are just throw backs to the way he was
raised. He's learning :)
My four yr old in particular is very nurturing. I love seeing him like this.
He is also the one that is *ell on wheels too! Interesting.
And, after all, they will most likely grow up to be Daddies some day!
Ann

Thomas and Nanci Kuykendall wrote:

> From: Thomas and Nanci Kuykendall <tn-k4of5@...>
>
> At 08:38 PM 11/07/1999 -0500, you wrote:
> >From: "A. Yates" <hooperck@...>
> >
> >I need help finding something for my son. He is turning 5 in a couple
> >weeks, and wants a backpack carrier for his baby.
> >Natural Baby used to carry one, but don't anymore. Does anyone know
> >where I might find one?
> >Thanks,
> >Ann
>
> I know that there is a doll sold in major toy stores which comes with a
> back pack carrier, but I don't know about buying one seperately. Let me
> say though, that it is nice to hear someone else who has a son who is
> attached to his doll(s.) I get those same sideways looks and amused smiles
> from my ex-playgroup aobut my son's dolls as I do about him kissing the
> other children (boys too!)
>
> An uncomfortable sort of, "Oh! You're teaching him to be sensative! Well
> I suppose it's allright at this age, but he'll be too old for that sort of
> thing soon. And you don't want to encourage that sort of un-masculine
> behavior too long...."
>
> It really sickens me, and was the last straw for me with that previous
> group. I mean, why should boys be treated differently simply by virtue of
> the fact that they are boys? I believe in treating each child as an
> individual and parenting them each to their unique personalities and
> interests, not directing their play and guiding their interests. Luckily I
> have a very wonderful husband who does not feel that his or his sons'
> masculinity are threatented in any way by being sensative, showing emotion,
> or doubt, being caring and affectionate, etc. Our boys play rough and
> tumble sometimes, but they are just as likely to want a cuddle, to nurture
> or parent their dolls or stuffed animals, or play cooking as they are to
> play sports or build with blocks. I hope to raise them to be well rounded
> and whole men, not particularly macho men.
>
> Nanci K. in Idaho
>
> > Check it out!
> http://www.unschooling.com

[email protected]

ann,
do you already know that the people who make slings also make kidslings? i
know you asked for a back carrier, my mum made some for my kids, simple
pattern she created... just a strap with a plastic ring on either end for
around the waist attached to a square piece (goes on the dolls front) and
side straps that go over the shoulders and cross in front, lace thru the
rings and tie. anyway, in case you dont find one and you or someone you know
is handy w/sewing machine, good luck!
erin