Toy Question

Think Emeril, Wolfgang Puck, James Beard and a few thousand other chefs around the world. Maybe it's a passing fancy, maybe it's a lifetime passion. Don't squash it. Go with the flow. Next year it will probably be baseball and you'll be stuck with a play kitchen but at least you won't be left wondering "what if".

Grandma D.

All the top chefs of the world are men. Just watch food network or bravo and you will see there are so many celebrity chef's these days.

I have a daughter who is 6 and we had bought her a toy kitchen which she rarely used. When my son came along (2 years old now) he used it more than she did. My father-in-law is a chef as well as my brother. I have nothing against boys and cooking. Look at all the famous male chefs out there. I do not consider cooking to be a exclusively a female activity. I am hoping my son is a good cook so he can help me with dinners ;-)

I think that it's interesting that we teach our sons that women are less than men. Blame it on society all you want, but mothers are often the first to discourage "female" behavior or interests in our sons. I want my sons to view women as equals, and part of that is allowing them to express interest in roles that are traditionally feminine.

As a mom of 4, my vote is absolutely for the kitchen set. They aren't all pink anymore! He will have a fabulous time with it, and isn't that what's it all about? I can remember so vividly to this day how upset I was to be told I couldn't have that race car set because "that is for boys".

My son is two and he has the Dora play kitchen. He loves it!! I don't see anything wrong with it as long it is not pink!!! He also has baby dolls... I don't think it is wrong for girls to play with truck!!!! Get one.. he will love it!!!

A. - I think all of us (mommies with sons) go through this. I think it's a great idea. Most of the great professional chefs in the world are men btw. I just went out to Target's website and they have quite a few toy kitchens that are very gender neutral. Your husband is probably thinking that you are going to bring home a pink kitchen or something, I'm sure he'll be fine with it when he sees how happy your son is.

My little boy is the same way. Here is something that I did with him that you may want to try. I got Logan one of those big sets of play food with plates and silverware. We took a small piece of poster board and he drew the stove burners on it and glued on fake knobs. He was 5. We got a cardboard box and glued the posterboard on top and cut open the side so it opened like an oven. He has a lap-style tv-tray that he uses for his table. He even created and wrote out his own menu. This idea activated his creativity, it wasn't $200 and... what is more boyish than making something out of a cardboard box.
I did read once in a book that it is very normal for boys to want to help and bond with mom and that this is very good, but to be sure that as the boy grows older, that Dad becomes more the role model, and Mom backs away. Besides, except for Rachel and Paula, most all of our famous chefs are men. I'm sure they all got their start in Mama's Kitchen!

I just want to say thank you for posting this question. My son has wanted one for a while now and I was unsure of what to do, but after reading some of your responses I think I will definitely go for it.

I think we're going to buy our two children (a boy, 2.5 years and a girl, 11 months) a kitchen for Christmas. And, I'm fairly certain (based on past playgroup experiences), that my son will enjoy it even more than my daughter! He LOVES play kitchens at friends' houses.

We're in two playgroups (both with fairly equal numbers of boys and girls ... and ages 1-3), and the boys in our playgroups are always the first to play with the kitchens at people's houses!

I think it's a great thing to teach our little boys that it's okay to cook, clean, etc. (and nip all this crazy gender junk in the bud from an early age!) just as much as little girls ... I think they'll grow up to be more involved husbands and dads! ;)

Hi,I don't think there is anything wrong with getting a kitchen set. My grandson lives with me and when I cook he's in the kitchen with me. Which makes it hard for me to cook. I started teaching my son to cook when he was very young.He is 25 and it was the best thing to do he loves to cook. He will even make me dinner. So I don't think there is anything wrong with it and maybe one day when he's older he'll make you dinner too. L.

Hi A.,
I think it's great that your son likes to help in the kitchen!!! I don't see anything wrong with you buying him a toy kitchen. I'm sure there are ones out there that aren't too girly.

They have a non-gender one at Target that I just love. My dd got one for her birthday 2 yrs ago and it could go either way. I noticed the other day that they still have it but they just changed the style of it. It is silver/gray and blue. It has 2 doors on the bottom and I just showed my dd that the long door is the icebox and the other door on the top shelf is the oven and the bottom is the storage. Like I said, she got it 2 yrs ago and is all ways "cooking".

Get him the play kitchen. My son is getting one. Imaginative play is good for children, and if it actually helps to keep him out of the real kitchen (never the safest place for a child)it will be worth its weight in gold. As for gender-stereotypes my Father-in-law is a chef. He does most of the holiday cooking for the family, and so far every grandson that can see over the counter can cook. The 13 year old has decided that he wants to be a chef and have his own restaurant. If down the line your son ends up able to cook, you'll have done him and yourself a favor.

I am getting my 2 year old son a kitchen set for Christmas...he loves the one at his school. I don't think you should worry. I don't think it is girly at all. Kitchens are great for developing pretend play and encouraging independence. Ignore those ads that predominately show little girls with kitchen sets and little boys with work benches (although I have seen some kitchen set ads lately that show a boy and girl playing together.)Good luck with your decision.

I think very highly of men chefs. There are many famous ones, just look at all the cooking shows being hosted by men. If you would like for him to have something to play chef with, you also have other options. There are some really nice outdoor BBQ sets on the market today. I have seen a neat one made by Step 2. This may be an alternative to please him, your dad, and you. Who knows, you may have the future Bobby Flay in your house. Good luck!

T.

I know you've already had responses, but I had to tell you this. I am a 37yr old mother of 3...17, 15, and a 5 year old. When my son was about 3, he's now 15, he loved baby dolls. He had a "regular" little baby doll but his dad couldn't stand it...so I got him a little boy baby doll for Christmas. When he opened it he was so worried about what his Dad would think that he just kinda put it aside...however, he loved that doll. He played with and wasn't too overly interested in it as opposed to trucks and stuff. Anyway, he's now a healthy football, baseball, hunting and fishing teenage boy! I always hated seeing his little face and knowing he was worried about what his dad would think. In my opinion there is nothing wrong with your son getting a kitchen. They are only small for a little while...let them enjoy it! Merry Christmas and I hope he loves it!
C. G.

Hi A., This is not a strange question at all. I went through the same thing with my son. I think if he likes to cook with you, he would really enjoy the play kitchen. Just because he likes to cook doesn't mean that he will forget about his trucks, bikes ect... Oh and keep in mind a "chef" has no particular gender.I say let Landon enjoy.

All you have to do is turn on the Food Network to see how many male chefs are out there. It is my opinion that it is great for boys to play with kitchen things. There are defiantly some play kitchens that are pink and frilly, but there are others that are wooded and use primary colors that look very unisex, if not downright boyish. I am thankful everyday that I have a husband who knows his way around a kitchen and loves to cook! I say let him expand beyond the trucks and trains that retailers tell us our sons must love. Just tell the grandparents you are hoping he will become a millionaire like Emeril Lagasse!

Hi A.

My 30 month old son is getting a Kitchen Set for Christmas. He is getting the Little Tikes Kitchen and Grill set. My husband loves to cook and my boys love to be in the kitchen with him....so therefore Santa will bring a Kitchen Set this year!
Hope this helps.

Hey A., just thought that i'd send you this link to the play kitchen...I have a 3yr old boy, and 2 yr old girl, and a baby boy...I will be getting a toy Kitchen soon. I don't think it is gender specific...and I also think that a little boy playing with a toy kitchen is a great idea, especially if he wants to...just don't get a girly kitchen set...And as for your dad not thinking its a good idea, why? you don't have to actually answer me, i was just thinking ...one day your little boy will need to know his way around the kitchen if he wants to eat...lol

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5903083

A.

I don't think it's a bad idea, maybe not get him the complete kitchen. Just something that will keep away from your oven. He's going to have to learn to cook sometime. Good luck.

If he loves to cook then get him a kitchen! They have several on the market that come in browns and greens--very gender neutral. It doesn't have to be a pink kitchen. Cooking is not just for girls. What if your son never gets married? He is going to have to cook for himself if he wants to survive. And Daddy's can cook too. My daughters both look very much forward to Saturdays when their Daddy cooks pancakes with them for breakfast. And I love it too because I don't have to worry about breakfast that morning. If your husband really doesn't want to buy a kitchen for your son you could always get a play grill. There are several of those that are similar in style to the play kitchens.

I personally think its a great ideal. Toys are very stereotyped. And quite frankly, they enjoy playing with the others because they don't get to. Not to mention what better way for him to learn how to play a part in the family when he gets older. My friends little boy loves to come over and play with my girls kitchen and actually ask his parents for one for christmas. Which they say their going to get.

I would definitely get this if he would enjoy it. My husband would probably say the same thing as your dad, but remind him that even men use the kitchen in their homes. My nephews are all boy and they love playing with our daughter's kitchen when they are over. It's just another creative toy they can enjoy. Maybe you could also buy some play tools so he can "Fix" the kitchen sink/stove, etc., if he wants to play like a contractor. It's all just for fun! He'll love it!

I have a nephew who is very big on helping in the kitchen. My sister & her husband went through this very same dilemma. We found a "boys" easy bake oven at Toys 'R Us. It's the only place we could find one that wasn't pink & girly. I don't know what your child's age is, but when the time comes, if he's still into helping in the kitchen, that might be something to look for. Afterall, you see lots of men in the kitchen nowadays...just look at the Food Network: Emeril, Wolfgang Puck, the Iron Chef, the Naked Chef -- they're all men.

Hi A.,
I have 2 little boys (2 and 4) and they play with a kitchen. I purchased one that was not girlie (it's green and white and has a store counter and cash register on the side) My husband calls it the Pizza kitchen (came with pizza stuff). It has a stove, microwave, sink, fridge,oven, etc and the boys LOVE to cook. We went to a Japanese steak house and my oldest came home and started "cooking" the way the chef did at the Japanese steak house. They also love cars, trains, etc. so the kitchen has just served to entertain.. yea! All the little boys that play at our house usually end up playing with the kitchen and most of them have kitchens/ dishes of their own. Besides, there are tons of great male chefs out there and my hubby cooks better than me! I'd say just purchase what interests your child. Good luck !

I think a kitchen is fine for a young man if these are activities he enjoys.

My daughter is a day-care director. The "home center" at center has a kitchen, complete with groceries, plates, etc. It has been her observation that the boys enjoy this area as much as girls. They "play" store, restaurant, house, etc. without concern of gender.

My husband is a fire fighter & my son-in-law is an RN, because of their unique schedules my grandson (age 2) sees the male role models in his life do quite a bit of cooking and meal prep, both at his home and our ours. He enjoys helping whenever he can.

It is because of this he will be receiving a Little Tykes kitchen set as one of his Christmas Gifts, this year. We did avoid the pink set :), we went for the white, blue & yellow, but I am convinced he will thoroughly enjoy it and have many hours of make-believe fun while playing with his new kitchen, restaurant, grocery store, etc.

Good Luck and Merry Christmas!

Think about all those professional chefs on tv who make millions every year! I say it will not impact your son's future "manhood" if he knows his way around a kitchen.

I bought my 3yo one for Christmas.

BOYS KITCHEN by step 2 check it out:

http://www.step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1392

hope this helps.

A.,
Thank you for posting this question (below) way back in November- I am just reading it now LOL. My 2 yr old son has a play kitchen at his Nana's house and it is the first thing he runs for when we get in the door. I was a little worried at first that he seemed to gravitate toward "girl" things at least as much as "boy" things, plus not wanting to play in the dirt etc. But I didn't try to discourage him from playing what he wanted, and I love him just how he is. I figure it will be soon enough that he will be peer-pressured into being more "boyish" and then I will be dealing with that instead. I want him to be well-rounded, and respect women, and have high self-esteem in himself without feeling like he has to pretend to be a certain way.

Anyway, thank you for asking the question and inviting the responses of all the other moms. I feel a lot less alone and more confident in my decisions now too.

Jen

>>>>>>>>>>>
This may seem a strange question...but is a play kitchen too girly for a little boy? My son loves to help me in the kitchen, so I thought that getting him his own toddler sized version would help keep him out of my oven and save my sanity...but my father doesn't think its a good idea. I have never been one to gender-stereotype....but maybe he's right? Does it anyone have any opnions on this? I'm very torn on this issue.

You have a lot of responses already, but I thought I would chime in with mine. I have two girls of my own, but I have been a step mother now for almost 15 years to two boys. It sounds like your dad (as is mine) might be a little old fashioned with his ideals of who's supposed to cook in the house. That's not a bad thing, I deal with the same thing with my dad. But think of it this way... learning to cook is a survival skill. If he goes to college and then lives alone a while before marriage, knowing how to cook is very important.

My stepson used to want me to paint his fingernails with the 'boy color' (which was clear)... so he was what they call a metro-sexual from age 7,,, haha.. and still cares very much about his appearance even at age 12.

So I say let them experience all of life's avenues, it makes them who they are!

Two quick words to start...Emeril Lagasse.

Some of the best chefs in the world are men, and, in my opinion, all men should be able to do more that make TV dinners and pasta. They'll certainly need it if they aren't married or stay with Mom forever!

That said, there are certainly some kitchen sets that are VERY girly. But there are many great sets that stay in primary colors, especially the wood ones. I think Melissa and Doug has one, and maybe Child Kraft. Some pot/plate sets are also wood or even metal, down to replicas of real chef tools. If he likes to cook that much, I'd go for it.

By the way, I'm a mom of 4 boys and 2 girls. And they all like to cook!

Hi A.!
My answer to you is ABSOLUTLEY! Little boys love playing in kitchens and learning to cook. I have a 5 1/2 year old boy and a2 1/2 year old boy. They both loved to play in the "play" kitchen in their nursery classes at church. I decided to buy my oldest one and now the youngest is loving it too. When I was shopping, I had a really hard time finding one that isn't girly. Step 2 has kitchen designs that are tan and green with no pink or princess emblems. They are wonderful. Walmart and Sams sells this brand. I bought some play dishes and pans too and we have plastic bugs that we play with and make "bug stew". Sounds gross, but they think it is hillarious.
Oh, and my boys are very masculine. They love to play baseball, basketball, fight and all of that. They are not feminine at all. :-)

Thanks,
D.
www.emomsolutions.com (coming soon)

I don't think so A.. I have nephews that play with my mother's toy kitchen she has at her house. They love it. I think it's great that he wants to help you around the house. Maybe the toddler kitchen will keep him wanting to help around the house when he's older. :) I'm sure it won't do any damage to his manhood when he's older; only enhance him to maybe be a bit neater, etc. I wouldn't worry about it.

I gave my son a kitchen for his second birthday. My husband cooks and I wish he'd cook more. What's girly about cooking? Toy kitchens aren't pink anymore. Ours is green.

I don't think it would be girly. Guys like to cook too, so what's the difference? Actually, my husband is the cook not me! haha

Also, we are giving our daughter a workshop with a Home Depot tool set for Christmas. I'm even making one of those tool bucket pocket things to put her tools in, just like her Papa! I got real tools for one Christmas when I was little too.

So, cooking is not just for girls, and tools are not just for boys! If he likes it, then there's no problem!

I know a lot of little boys with play kitchens. It's not a bad idea. And look at some of the top chefs in the country. They are men: Emeril, Wolfgang Puck, ect. If your son loves the kitchen don't worry about your dad. I'm sure he is just trying to be helpful, but you know your son better than anyone else.

I can honestly tell you that buying a toy kitchen with all the utensils including an apron and hot mitts was the best gift i ever purchased for my two sons now 2 1/2 & 4. They will literally "cook" for hours and incorporate sharing, creativity, imagination and just plain fun into that time! Who cares if it is generally a girl gift. When they have their friends over (boys) guess what they want to play with? I have ours right off the kitchen so that when I am cooking, they cook too! They have learned to set the table, put utensils on the table and sit nicely having a "cup of coffee with creme" from their pretend coffee pot and mugs right along with me! They "wash" dishes and put them away! I'd say, get him a kitchen! For the last 1 1/2 years, the play kitchen (Little Tykes with frige, stove, oven ) is the favored toy even over diggers and dumpers! Have fun with it, he'll love it!

Hi A.,
I haven't read the other responses, so this muight be a repeat. I have a 20 month old son and I just moved my 6year old daughter's old kitchen into his room and he LOVES it. I think it's important for kids to have all kinds of toys. AFter all, I hope to raise a man who will help out in the kitchen! He also has a doll - I bought my daughter a dump truck when she was little too! Hope this helps!

There is no harm in letting a little boy have a play kitchen. If you visit any pre-school class, you'll find as many boys playing with "girl" toys as you'll find girls playing with "boy" toys. There's also nothing wrong with much older boys playing in the kitchen. Take a look at some of the major chefs on TV & in the news - they're heterosexual guys and they make a lot of money. I know little boys who played with dollhouses and baby dolls and little girls that played with trucks and Transformers that all turned out perfectly normal.

My youngest son's name is Landon too. Great name for very special people. Let him be who he is with all his interests. He could turn out to be a world class chef because nobody held him back. Or perhaps he will become a well rounded father someday who does a lot of the cooking and sharing of household tasks. My father cooked as much as my mother did, because he loved being in the kitchen. I vote to let him follow his bliss.

All best,
C.

I think it's a great idea. You can purchase one that has neutral colors (not all pink and purple). If you have ever seen a commercial for them you'll see that little boys are on there too. I think it's a good way to teach him that cooking is not just for girls and that doesn't mean you're making him into a sissy, which I'm sure it what your father is thinking. Pretend play is very important for all children and if he loves helping you, I know he'll love getting his own!

I don't see any harm in getting your son his own kid-sized play kitchen. There are lots of male chefs in the world of culinary arts. In fact, many of the world' best cooks are male chefs. I think getting him his own kitchen will help to foster his interest in cooking. It's like I once heard someone say about boys and baby dolls: We want our boys to grow up to be sensitive, caring dads. How better to foster that sensitivity and caring than to allow a boy to practice it on a doll? Maybe your son will grow up and become a chef. Maybe he will grow up and decide to work on kitchen appliances. Maybe he'll grow up and show no interest whatever in the kitchen or food preparation. I say let your son explore whatever his areas of interest are. Society is its own hindrance when it tries to make objects or skills or jobs gender specific.

My daughter will be 2 at the end of January, and she is very attached to her baby doll. They are timeless and you can't go wrong. She like to play mommy with it. :)

Nevermind...answered the wrong question. Sorry!

fisher price has a kitchen that is so cute, could be for a boy or girl. laugh & learn kitchen. retails for about 65.00 but I am sure you could maybe look on other websites to get it cheaper.

Let's name a famous chef or two who is notoriously all man- BAM! Emeril Lagasse.
"Name : Emeril Lagasse

Profession : Restaurateur

Birth Details : born October 15, 1959 in Fall River, Massachusetts

Personal quotes : "I wouldn't wish divorce on my worst enemy. It's just a lousy thing to go through. I disagree with people who say 'oh, its a good time now we can

Spouse : Alden Lovelace (13 May 2000 - present) 2 children Tari Hohn (1989 - 1996) (divorced) Elizabeth (? - 1982) (divorced) 2 children

Trade mark : His catch phrase, "Bam!"

Need more? Look up chef in google. Almost all the famous names are male. Who knows. Burgeoning Chef with multimillion dollar sales in LA to be?

funny, my dad had the same problem when I bought my then three year old his first kitchen set. "why can't it be a work bench with play power tools?" he asked. And my dad is NOT one to be typically caught up in such things. I think that his real concern was that as a single mother, at the time, and his only daily influence being a female one, that he wasn't getting enough male identified influences. To which the great resolve was that he spent one day a week with JUST GRANDPA in what we called, "MAN DAY".

I do agree that it is essential that boys learn how to socialize with boys and this is the reason father figures are just as important to boys as it is for little girls.

I know that perhaps you have already had your question answered a million times over, just wanted to add my two cents in because as much as I am a firm believer against gender role identification....I also think it's necessary to highlight that if the underlying concern your father has is that he's being too heavily influenced by a female role model, then he or your son's father should step up and spend an equal amount of time ensuring your son has a balance. If we want our children to have well balanced and well rounded experiences, we can't expect that they will get that by a one sided effort.

most chefs are male, so I don't see a problem with it. Get him a chef's hat and let him play!

I understand your situation. My firstborn is a boy and he too was always underfoot at that age. We did buy him a little play kitchen for Christmas when he was 2 1/2 years old. I bought a very gender neutral one. It was all primary colors and had little burners that would light up and make a sizzling noise when the "heat" was turned on (the brand was Chicco - this was 8 years ago so I don't know if they still make it). He loved it. I can assure you that he is all boy, playing sports and shooting his little sisters with Nerf dart guns, but he also love to bake with me. I don't see a problem with having boys/men in the kitchen. I am a good cook, but my husband is even better. I want my son to be independent when he grows up and be able to prepare healthy meals for himself and possibly his family some day. I have no issues with a man in the kitchen - think of how much his future wife will appreciate you!

Hi A.,

My nephew and my best friend's little boy both have kitchens and love them. I think cooking is interesting and valuable for both genders. Kids like to imitate what they see, and I think all kids see a lot of cooking! Also, imaginary play of any kind is important for all, and real cooking down the line teachers math and science lessons and encourages more adventurous eating. Many great chefs are men. If you husband still thinks it's "girly" though, you can tell him that my nephew and friend's little guy play with trucks most of the time when not at the kitchen, and neither of their daddies would buy them dolls or pink shirts, so even these somewhat traditional guys don't have a problem with the kitchen.

Hope that helps!
L.

You should absolutely get him one. He will grow up and have a real kitchen of his own so it won't hurt him to bknow what a sink is. Don't listen to those that think it is too girly they are just idiots thinking it will make him gay. Teach him all the women things like laundry as he grows up because you will make him a better man and husband one day.

A kitchen is a great idea. Does his dad cook? My son has a "baby" that he wanted. and loves. We got him a stroller for his birthday because he wanted to be like daddy. Now he is walking around calling him baby Jesus in the spirit of Christmas. I think this two year old will grow up just fine and possibly having some empathy which all men could use!!

It is perfectly fine to give a play kitchen to a boy -- for the life of me, I cannot understand why someone would give you a hard time about it -- unless that person is insecure about his own sexuality or orientation!!!!!;-) Kids love to be creative in the ktichen and it is a great place to teach healthy eating habits -- having kids interested in cooking and helping provides them the opportunity to learn to eat what adults eat and be responsible beings -- eating the same healthy food TOGETHER is the best way to raise kids -- My opinion! I would be delighted to write more if you wish -- let me know....S., Oakland (Health Educator)

What the heck?! Your father is being irrational. It's not like you said you were getting him a pink kitchen set. My husband is a baker and also loves to cook. My 11 y.o. son loves to cook as well. This morning he even made me breakfast. My father likes to BBQ, is that weird? Most men consider grilling a "manly" job, tell that to your father. Ask him if he's ever grilled, that's considered "cooking." Does your father ever watch the cooking channel? There are plenty of good, down to earth "manly" men cooking up fabulous foods.
Sorry, if I seem fired up on this one, but I beleive this is ridiculous.

Some of the greatest chef's in the world are men and not to mention they get paid really good money. I agree with you there is no reason to gender sterotype. I just wouldn't get him one with Barbie or one that's pink. I wouldn't go overboard with it until you see that he's really interested. My little boy (during the toddler years) had an obsession with vacuum cleaners and brooms. I let him have them... and yes it helped to save my sanity too.

I teach preschool and the children (boys and girls) LOVE playing house, cooking, cleaning, ironing, taking care of the babies etc...doesn't matter how 'rough and tumble' they are...they see their parents tending the household chores and emulate them. I think it is a fantastic gift!

OMG!!! If he loves to help you in the kitchen please get him a play kitchen. My son will be 2 in January and we're getting him his own kitchen and so is a friend of mine that also has a boy. They'll play with it for hours. We go to a friends house that has one and they just play and play. They love it. And it's 2007 since when is a man or boy not allowed to be in the kitchen? My husband cooks. Doesn't yours? There is NOTHING wrong with a boy having a play kitchen.

Several men I know are very good cooks and actually are better in the kitchen than their wives. Men chefs are not uncommon, so being too girly is outdated. Letting him use the playdoh food kits may be a good idea. My son had a lot of fun with those when he was little and he is far from girly.

You know, we teach children that things are "for girls" or "for boys". We have never denied our son any toy he really wants. He asked for an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas last year and he loved it! Lots adn lots of great chefs are men. There's no reason you can't teach your son that cooking and kitchen duties aren't for girls only...that's leaning toward sexist, also. When he moves out on his own one day, he'll have to know how to cook to feed himself and know how to clean up after himself...there's nothing wrong at all with a boy having a play kitchen. If he's interested, you should foster his interests...sounds like dad just may be a bit old fashioned...

Hey A.. I bought my son a play kitchen for Christmas last year (he was 1 1/2). He has LOVED it and played with it every day since we've had it. Of course my husband had to counteract the girliness of a kitchen with a tool bench, but I see nothing wrong with it at all.

Good luck!

Definitely not, as long as you don't get a frilly or girly looking one. My middle (2nd) son played with the kitchen at preschool and church ALL of the time, and that's all he wanted when he was 2. So, we finally decided to let him have one one Christmas. Now, my boys are 2,4 & 5, and they still love playing with it. It's turned out to be the best thing we could have bought for them. The one we have is blue/tan (not frilly or girly looking), talks and makes cooking sounds (3 languages). It also has a laundry area attached, and the boys love that too. We decided it'd just teach them how to be great husbands (or responsible bachelors) when they're older.

Sometimes I can't believe this is the 21st century and society hasn't evolved at ALL. One, who cares what color the kitchen it. Why is it SO important that it's NOT pink? Two, why do famous chefs have to be brought up any time a male likes to cook and they are called chefs and lower class men and women are merely people who enjoy cooking? Sheesh.

J.--mother of 4 grown sons/freelance writer-editor and community college teacher

My husband and I are both chefs - GET THE KITCHEN !!!
Your son will need to know how to cook, right? He'll need to feed himself eventually? If he watches any TV he'll see plenty of masculine male chefs all over the Food Network and even in the cartoons. My oldest son was at a community center one time playing with a toy kitchen and a little girl came up and asked him why he was playing with it, "That's just for girls" (THIS kitchen was all pink and purple which is why I think she thought that way. At 2 1/2 he told her all the reasons why it wasn't just for girls - including "I'm going to be a chef just like my dad."
BUY THE KITCHEN

I know im probably gonna catch some slack for this one but i personaly dont find anything wrong with letting your son play with a kitchen....HE likes that kind of thing . Maybe he will grow up to be a world renouned chef... before i had kids i baby-sat for a family who had 2 young boys and they had "girly" things like play kitchens and play houses...i never thought twice about it,but now i also let my daughter play with cars and trucks when she wants to, I think that you should be open to this kind of thing i mean c'mon its not like hes putting makeup on and dancing around in a dress!

Some of the richest, most famous chefs in the world are men. As long as you don't give your son the play kitchen with the pink flowers, why shouldn't he have a kitchen? He'll eventually need to learn to cook for his girlfriend, right?

Absolutely not. I have two boys ( 9 and 11 now) THey love to help in the kithcen, which began pretty early. To keep them out of harms way, I bought the a kithcen set complete with pots, pans, dishes, and food. While I cooked, so did the.

Although the probabably wouldn't admit it to the current buddies, it was one of thier favorite toys. And there interest has maintained, they like to earn to cook new things and experiment with food now. I think that we all should be able to play with what makes us happy.

Also note, we have had plenty of boy toys as well, and they do not appear to have be overly "femanized" by the toys. They are both healty growing boys who are athletic and successful in school and actually have a working knowlege of the kitchen.

That is a silly old fashioned idea. My son had all the tool toys and the kitchen toys and a good variety. He cooks now, on the real stove, he isn't gay or anything lmao. Some day he will be out on his own and need those skills. Oh I remember he had one of those vacumes too, and as soon as he was old enough, he wanted to help around the house.

I think that giving your son a kitchen set will be fine. there are plenty of kitchen sets out there that are not girly. some are pretty fancy, and some are just made of greens, and reds, and blues. Make sure to buy the dishes and pots and pans that are not pink, and you should be fine. my son who is now 12 had this fasination with vaccum cleaners. we would go to someone's house, and within minutes, we would notice that JD wouldn't be in the room, and suddenly all we heard was a vaccumm cleaner running! Well santa brought him a little battery powered hoover and it was his favorite toy for years (until he realized that it wasn't his favorite chore after all). boys do grow up to be chefs, so please don't stiffle his creativity. Merry Christmas!

How many famous male chefs can you think of in 15 seconds? I got five. All perfectly healthy, normal men. My husband cooks more than I do, and that is a GOOD thing, I can't cook without getting every dish in the kitchen dirty and that is not practical for everyday. Buy your son the kitchen if it will make him happy, and maybe talk to your Dad about how professional chefs tend to have longer careers than professional athleets.

I definately don't think so...This is what my son wants (and Santa is bringing) for Christmas. We chose a Little Tykes one so it is not so girly looking. Have a great holiday!

Hi A., I just got a play kitchen for my son. It is Play Wonder Deluxe Play Kitchen sold at Target for about $100. It is a nice slate blue color (good for a boy!) and made of wood. Also it comes with some toy utensils and a fry pan. It took a bit of time to assemble. It is not too big and my son is really enjoying it.

Cheers,
C.

I don't think it's a big deal. Everyone cooks. But if it's a big problem for your dad, I have seen some toy "kitchens" out there that are designed to look like more like a BBQ grill than an indoor kitchen. Maybe that would work.

You know what's funny? We discourage boys from doing things like playing with kitchens sets, being interested in flowers, playing with hair, being interested in dress up... but all over the world the BEST chefs, botanists or horiculturists, fashion designers, hair stylists.... all MEN.

I'm an ECE teacher, and I have to tell you, boys get just as much out of that kind of play as girls. The only difference is it's their moms who try to ask us to not let their sons play there.

Good for you for allowing your son to play.

I don't think there's anything wrong with getting him a kitchen. They do have a play grill that your husband might be more comfortable with.

my cousin bought a toy kitchen for her 2 year old because everytime they went to the dr. office or something like that, he loved playing with the toy kitchen. i say go ahead and buy it, he'll love it!

having a kitchen is not 'girly'. think of emeril, mario batali, tyler florence and so many other male chef role models!! my son loves to cook and help in the kitchen and i think it will be a great gift to help him be independent in the kitchen. kids - no matter what their gender - love to 'copy' us - whether it's cooking, laundry, dishes, vaccuming, etc. all important things that help them to feel they are contributing to the family. so embrace your son's love of the kitchen - and nurture it - you never know...he may become the next iron chef!! :-)

Tell him don't be silly. If he likes to cook you should encourage that. There are alot of chefs that make very good money that are men and sometimes men make much better cooks than women. Tell him to just look on the cooking channel and what about Hell's Kitchen. Nothing girly about that. My nephew has one and there's nothing girly about it. Its just kids playing.

I bought my son a kitchen for his 2nd birthday. I got him a Little Tikes kitchen because it was not pink. His is tan and green. My daughter plays with it too. I think it is fine for boys to play with a kitchen. Maybe they will learn to cook later.

LOL,
I know I'm late, but I just purchased a kitchen for my 2 year old son for Xmas. We are going to be picking it up today!
He loves opening and closing the doors, and "cooking" and making sure the oven isn't too "hot". I've seen him first hand play with the kitchen toys whenever we pick him up from daycare and whenever we are visiting friends and they happen to have one.

My hubby and I had no qualms about getting him a play kitchen. I know he will love it...we just have to put it together.

Also, my son loves anything that has wheels. Cars, trucks, motorcycles. So whatever makes him happy. Play Kitchen and cars, ballet...whatever makes him happy!

That is a funny question, I have a little boy who is 3 and pretty much all he wants for Christmas is a kitchen. It took some persuasive debationg with my husband, but he finally agreed that it was ok. My husband can be weird sometimes about stuff like that. Go ahead and get that kitchen, he'll love it. There are plenty of men chefs out there. That's awesome and have a great Christmas!

Hi A., It looks like you have already received a lot of helpful replies, I just wanted to comment, because I went through a similar experience with my oldest son, and know just what you are going through! When he was about 8(3 years ago), he wanted an easy bake oven. My husband questioned the idea at first but we decided to get it! It is funny though how I took a moment and questioned myself, wondering if there was something wrong with encouraging him to enjoy such a toy... I quickly shook that thought off though. Afterall, Men cook all the time, a lot of them any way! And think of ALL the famous Male Chefs! I must admit though, I did still have moments when someone would ask him what he got for Christmas that I felt awkward and wondered "what are they going to think?" But the truth is, I was glad my son had an interest in cooking! And I personally didnt see ANYTHING wrong with it, I was more concerned about other people thinking I was encouraging something wrong.I know my son just liked the idea of being able to make his own yummy treats, the same as any girl would! we all like treats, right? And what is wrong with him wanting to prepare his own, right? I think there will always be some sort of labeling on what is 'for boys' and what is 'for girls', after all..Mcdonalds has gender specific happy meal toys..have you noticed when you order they ask "girl toy or boy toy?" The hot wheels for the boys and barbies for the girls..or other similar choices. The overall public might not be ready to say baby dolls or barbies are acceptable for both boys and girls...but the kitchen is no longer gender specific as far as I am concerned : ) I think Emeril would agree! So Encourage your little helper and enjoy a little breathing room as you each move about your own kitchen! warm wishes to you and your family!~

Try a grill , it is manly for the male but still like a kitchen for you . I think this would be great . I do not see anything wrong with a lil boy having a kitchen I think it would be great but for some reason men have it in their heads it's too female .

there is nothing wrong with getting your son a play kitchen. just think of what your saying, it's good for him to learn to cook for when he gets older. he may not marry right away and his kitchen skills could be very helpful. I got my son a kitchen when he was a toddler he had a ball. he is now 19 in college knows how to prepare food for himself. he is majoring in electronic engineering and is all man. if this dude couldn't play and watch football/baseball he would go insane. i don't know what he would do without ESPN. heck he may grow up to be a great chef. (smile)

i say what ever works for you ,Go for it;

I would definately get him one. My kids (a girl and boy) and nephews love theirs. My brother-in-law doesn't really like the idea of his sons having a kitchen either, so instead of the regular kitchen type, they got one that is a little more boyish with a grill and everything, where my kids even has flowers in the window. There are lots of different ones out there, just shop around and find the one that bests suits your family.

buy him one, i have one for my son, just don't buy him a pink one and it will be fine

My son is always in the kitchen with me and I would gladly get a play kitchen if I had the space. My husband and I are in the restaurant business and spend time with many well adjusted, masculine men in the kitchen.
Cooking teaches creativity, science and math and is a wonderful way to keep close with the people you care for.
Good luck.

First off it's a toy, that does not injure anyone, secondly He might grow up to be a top of the line Chef's in America. And its good for him to learn how to cook, if thata's what he likes. So be it. There is nothing wrong with that. as for the little kitchen set, that usually girls have. If it doesn't bother you, let him have it. Me !!! I would be teaching him on the real thing. But thats my opinion. Don't worry about who ever comes to the house. Who cares ... Its your house your son. Your not doing a Darn thing wrong. Good Luck Sweety I'm a great Great grandmotther H. Meyer

Watch the food network (or tell your father to) - your son could be the next Emeril or Bobby Flay!!! Go for it - if he likes it, theres no harm and I'm sure he'll be involved with a lot of different activities. Its all good!

i don't think so, they have some out there now that are not just pink & white, so just go find one thats not all girly looking, he could be the next emril!!!!

get him the kitchen!!! cooking is a passion and vocation for both men and women. look at all the cooking shows -- lots of men don't consider cooking to be girly.

when my girls (now 6 and 4) were little, i used to keep a cabinet of toys in the kitchen so they could play in there with me. they loved it and it kept them occupied. and as soon as they could stand on a chair at the counter they started cooking with me. so i think it's a great idea to involve your son. you're the mom here. do what YOU think is right.

M.
www.makearteveryday.blogspot.com

A lot of men do not like the idea of giving boys toys that are "girly," but is liking to cook girly? I have two sons ages 5 and 2 1/2 and a 14 month old daughter. My oldest son had a play kitchen well before my daughter was thought of! Both of my boys play with baby dolls, too. It helps them to understand the relationships between men and women as well as between parents and children. Besides, what woman does NOT love a man that can cook?

I would totally get the kitchen...it doesn't have to be pink. Your dad is just a little old fashioned. My grandpa thinks that way too. There isn't a thing wrong with it. My 2yr old girl and 3 yr old boy are getting a big play kitchen as a shared gift form santa because they both spend hours playing with the one at my friends house.

I think I'm responding late but my 3 and 6 yr old boys, who love superheroes and Star Wars and are as masculine as they come, love to play with our neighbor's toy kitchen. The only reason I have not bought one is that there is no more space in my house! Also remember to tell your father that (unfortunately?!) most of the world's best-known chefs are men!! He should turn on Iron Chef or any of the other cooking competition shows if he doesn't believe you!

Don't worry whether he is a boy or a girl. If he likes the kitchen I personally would do that if I had a boy who liked the kitchen. I always heard that you need promote what they like. For example: Maybe he likes it in the kitchen and he is going to be a chef. The best chefs in the world are men and who knows, he may open up a restaurant and that may lead to another one and another one and finally a chain. He could make millions and millions of dollars doing that. If he likes it, I wouldn't worry about if he was a boy or a girl but I would put the kitchen in your kitchen so he can do his thing while you are doing yours.

My 7 year old daughter responds best when daddy says when her baby brother (almost 2) is playing "house" cooking or playing with one of her dolls. He has to practice so he be a good daddy like you!

(Belatedly entering the discussion) I think it's fantastic that everyone agrees on this.

Pretend play is so crucial to development, and so personal, it would be a pity to impose somebody's rules about boy-girl roles on it. Developmentally, the more open-ended a toy is, the more uses it gets and the longer a child plays with it and the better the cognitive development it promotes. Pretending is an essential precursor for healthy self-talk of the kind that we use to control our behavior, inhibit inappropriate reactions, plan our day, remind ourselves of appointments, work through disappointments and dilemmas, etc. etc. It would be preferable to make a cardboard-box stove together rather than buying a pre-fab toy at the store. Money can't match the texture and quality of those personal interactions.

I do want to mention however, that my jaw dropped to see how many respondents warned you away from pink stoves. Whether you decide to buy or make a toy kitchen set, perhaps you could (cost permitting) respect your child's color preference rather than imposing society's current color-coding. That color-coding is arbitrary. Less than a century ago, pink was considered the quintessential masculine color, just a variation on red. I think it would be very harmful to force a pink stove or clothing or room on a boy who already believes that pink is feminine. That would be like saying "I disagree with your personal belief about who you are, or I'm unhappy that you're a boy" or any number of other mean things. But if your miniature man loves pink, then it would be just as mean to deny him his passion. That would be saying, "there's part of you that I cannot accept." You can paint cardboard pink together.

Whatever you do, good luck child-raising. The hardest and most important job in the world. . .

I dont think there is nothing wrong with boys playing with a kitchen set. I think you should consider the child happiness rather than stereotypes. My son played with one when he was little ( he is 8 now) and still loves to help me in the kitchen now. If you get the kitchen set that has the grill on the opposite side maybe it would help to ease your mind.

A.,
I don't think there is anything wrong with it. We actually bought one for my son's 3rd birthday and he simply loves it. My husband is the one that cooks dinner every night so my son can cook righ along with him. We are in a totally different age where families have different roles than they used too. Plus, just remind your father that there is good money in becoming a head chef. ;)

A.,

Have you ever watched the food network? It's not all women. Let the little man cook, it will teach him that he can cook for himself and that he has to clean what he messes up and he can look up to his mommy for teaching him those things...I say DEFINITELY!!!

This is so interesting, I was just watching a DVD my mother gave me called "Free To Be You and Me" by Marlo Thomas, its from the early 70's but it is interesting how relevant it is for todays children. I want to suggest you look for it.
There is an animated short called "William Wants A Doll", its all about a little boy name william who wants a doll and how his father discouraged him from this, his brother and friends teased him and his parents bought him all these other toys (basket ball, a toy plane) to try and distract him from his wanting to have this doll. One day his grandmother comes over and brings him a doll, his father is upset but she explains to him that when william grows up he wants to be a daddy and the doll will give him the chance to practice burping, changing and holding a baby. It actually got my husband to think twice about some of the things he tells our sons about playing with toys society has deemed "for girls". I commend you for wanting to buy him a kitchen. It will keep him out of yours and will get him interested in cooking for himself. I don't know anyone that would love a man who can cook!
I am sure Emeril, Mario Batali and Bobby Flay would all be proud of you too! Happy Holidays!