Gender-Specific Excuses

I don't remember Ben doing this, nor Stephen. Maybe Joel (who is 3 1/2) is more caught up in the male/female roles because of his constant exposure to adults and teenage brothers and sister.

But around here his excuses for refusing to participate in something or obey parents are almost always tied to whether it's for boys or girls. Sometimes they are downright funny. Here are some examples:


Me: Joel, it's time for your bath.
Him: Boys don't take "bath-es. Boys take showers. (If based on observation in the home, that is true.)


Me: Joel, would you please shut the fridge door?
Him: Boys don't shut fridge doors, only girls. (Sometimes true, sometimes false.)


Me: Joel, let's read a couple books.
Him: It's not naptime! Boys only read at naptime. (Schoolwork does tend to be done in a reclining, sleepy position here. Reading is a naptime/bedtime ritual for almost every male in our home.)


Me: Joel, I want to give you a hug.
Him: Boys don't hug moms.
Me: They should.
Him: Big boys don't, and I'm a big boy.
Me: Well moms hug their boys no matter what size they are, if the boys will let them.
Him: Okay. ((hugs me tight))


Me: Joel, you need a shirt on.
Him: Boys don't wear shirts in the house.
Me: Daddy does.
Him: He's a man, not a boy.
Me: Do you want to be a man like daddy?
Him: No, a big boy like Ben.
Ben: Well, Joel, you're wrong. I AM a man.
Stephen: (laughing)
Sarah : (Laughing)
Paul and Me: (trying not to laugh)
Joel: Well, I'm frong like Ben.
Ben: Strong like me?
Joel: Yeah, see? (shows his biceps as his own face turns cranberry)
Stephen ; You're fronger than Ben.
Joel: Yeh, I'm frong like Daddy.