Free To Be...You And Me

So when I was a little girl, circa the early 1980's, when my hair was permed and my favorite accessory was a totally rad fanny pack. (I wish I were joking!) This was my mom's favorite album to play for my brother and me. Marlo Thomas and Friends "Free to be, You and Me."

It is pretty dated but let me assure you that the messages presented via Marlo Thomas are still as relevant today as they were 30 years ago. Equality. Acceptance. Freedom.

There is an awesome track about a little boy, (William) who is being teased by his friends and family for wanting to get a doll of his very own. William is at his wits end until his grandma comes to visit and gives the critics a talking to. Explaining that he wants a doll so that he can practice being a good daddy.

So, my brother and I each had a Cabbage Patch doll. My son has one too, along with some of my old, and now raggedy looking dolls. My son LOVES them and practices disciplining them and nursing them. (They all seem to need a lot of time outs and always seem to be battling a bad cold.) These moments help define what parenting is, in his 4-year old opinion. It is fun to hear him and to watch him practice this role. I have always felt that he is emulating the role of the nurturer and what a good thing to pretend.

What do you all think, my friends, do you think there is anything wrong with a boy playing with a doll? Do you have any similar stories about children wanting to play with toys that society says are "not for them?"