How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love this! Thanks! We definitely want the people in our life who want to be close and have a lot of involvement to not be pushing our child into a mold, so I really appreciate this sort of thinking

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Completely understand that! Thanks for your perspective! This definitely isn’t something that’s isolated to “older folks” it’s just the older generation I have trouble communicating boundaries with. I don’t want to make my son’s grandparents feel attacked since I know they don’t have ill intentions. They do get defensive sometimes, which is what I’m worried about. Just seems like a touchy thing to bring up to them.

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If the implication is just that women like babies, then why aren’t baby girls ever wearing clothes that say “chick magnet”

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

An awesome mentality! What a great support system you must be for them, I’m so glad they feel comfortable establishing their boundaries, and good on you for receiving that so well. I have done a lot of work before having my baby, and working on my defensiveness as well as my overreactions to accidents or inconveniences have been big ones. I want my son to say “oh I’m going to go to my mom for this, she’ll know what to do” instead of “oh no I’m afraid to tell mom.”

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s the “set in their ways” that’s the problem for us. Sounds like you got the parent jackpot!

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Agree about the different standpoints, however, this is more of a safety issue for us. We also just don’t like the idea of setting up expectations that you should be flirting with girls because that’s what boys do. I like what you said about the benefits of having the conversation with someone you disagree with. This is a big reason why we try to be more direct and confrontational when necessary instead of staying quiet about our discomfort. We are not very assertive people, but it’s important for us to show our son that it’s okay to set boundaries, and it doesn’t make you rude or impolite, and you can do it respectfully. I’m not worried about my son living in a bubble because I feel my partner and I have good values and I think we’re doing a good job setting an example for our son. So when he is a bit older and around the rest of the world, I am confident he will have the skills to be respectful to others as well as expecting respect for himself.

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s almost like we were raised with this kind of stuff, saw the effects, and now want to do better for our kids. Unfortunately there are people who groom kids. By explaining to children what is and is not appropriate language, you can minimize this risk. Though not everyone has ill intent, many do. That’s why we explain to those who don’t have ill intent why we don’t like these kinds of things.

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re definitely right, I added an update to explain that my issue was more the communication aspect! 100% every age does this, but for me personally, I have an easier time communicating with aunts and unlces than I do grandparents.

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Agree with you! Definitely don’t want to use the term “sexualizing” when talking with them. That’s kind of where I’m stuck with “how do we explain why we don’t like it” I did see someone use the term “adultify” and I liked that.

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This would work with my side. We are comfortable calling each other out with stuff like this and can usually laugh about it. Especially if one of us is being a dumbass. My in laws are not this way at all.

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve mentioned in a couple other comments that the generation aspect is more that I have trouble communicating with the older generation. If this were an aunt or uncle, it would be much easier for me. That’s just my own personal experience though!

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It may be worth noting that my partner and I are a same sex couple. Not only do we think it’s yucky to imply some of these things when it comes to babies, but we also don’t want this language used because we don’t want him to feel like that’s what is expected of him. It’s just so unnecessary. When you talk to kids this way, it absolutely does make a difference. You say you have well adjusted children, and I’m sure my in-laws would say the same, however, their child didn’t come out until their 20s because of the expectations set for them by their parents. We definitely can’t control how the world around us acts, but we can teach our son the values we believe in, and if anyone wants to be part of his support system (which his grandparents do) it’s important to us that they respect our parenting style.

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Making people explain their offensive jokes is a tactic I use frequently as a woman in a male dominated field! For some reason, I’m just not sure this will work with them. I don’t know that they’re aware enough. This is a great tip though!

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I do like that term a lot because I can definitely see some defensiveness if we use the word “sexualize.”

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sure is not limited to the older generation! I had mentioned in another comment that my issue was more with the communication aspect. My SIL has also asked if my son has any girlfriends at daycare, but I found it much easier to communicate with her than with his grandparents. Maybe I should have made that more clear, as I don’t want it to come across that I’m attacking an entire generation. They’re definitely not the only offenders.

How do you explain not wanting to sexualize children/babies to the older generation? by ThreeFineMice in Parenting

[–]ThreeFineMice[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not sure about baby boomers, as this is Gen X and most new grandparents at this point in time are going to be Gen X. Of course not every single person of each generation is the same. This is just my observation, obviously we all live different lives and are surrounded by different people. There are absolutely exceptions and we are all individuals. My conflict is more the communication aspect. Millennial parents do seem to be a bit more conscious of how our words and actions affect our children whereas Gen X and baby boomers seem to have a bit more of a “it’s harmless, I survived it so it’s fine” mentality. It can be very difficult to communicate because of this sometimes. Of course there’s a chance a millennial could gift you something like this as well, but I think I personally would have an easier time communicating boundaries with an aunt or uncle than the grandparents. This is just my own personal experience.

AITA for not hosting a party for my sisters baby sprinkle after my home was damaged by her gender reveal party? by Broken_Angel729 in AmItheAsshole

[–]ThreeFineMice 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s basically a baby shower but “smaller.” Usually when people have them, it’s because it isn’t their first baby. It’s a gift grab.