Lilah wearing a shirt and pants from the Le Top Horsin' Around collection
My daughter is sometimes mistaken for a boy by strangers. Occassionally it upsets me but to be honest, her outward appearance at-first-glance can be “boyish” because she loves wearing jeans, t-shirts and tennis shoes (with Transformers, Cars or aliens on them), her curly hair is usually down and she is rarely ever in pink. Sometimes, she does wear clothes that are pink or with flowers or hearts, but they tend to be subtle and not scream “I’m a girl!”
These days it seems that gender roles are played upon heavily. All of the toys on television are really catered to either boys or girls. Rarely is a toy for children over the age of 2 gender-neutral. Girls should wear princess costumes and play with dolls, and boys should all want to be superheroes and play with trucks, right? Not true. Nothing is set these days. I say let kids be who they want to be. All of my daughter’s baby dolls have boy names. She doesn’t care if they are wearing bright pink with butterflies – that means nothing to her. I tell her that people, kids and adults, can wear whatever makes them happy. Lilah loves being around boys, but she also loves to take care of a younger little girl at her school. It’s the reason she is excited to go. What does it all mean? It means she is who she is.
I’ve read articles suggesting that many girls act like tomboys because they have only older brothers or are the child of a single male parent. I’m sure that can be a factor. I am an only child and was at times a tomboy (still am). My dad taught me about power tools and yard work and my mom taught me how to sew and clean the house among other things. I hope to pass this all on to Lilah, and also hope that her daddy will pass on his gardening and cooking skills. Is that why? Maybe, but it could be simpler than that. My daughter is incredibly physical and active. When I ask her why she likes “boy things” she simply explains that boys have more fun, meaning they tend to run, jump, and climb which are all of her favorite things. She’s told me she doesn’t like dresses because it’s harder to do those things in them. The few times she has worn a dress to school, her friends that are boys give her positive compliments and tell her she looks beautiful. She certainly likes it, but she is not willing to wear dresses regularly for more compliments.
I just want my daughter to be confident, have a good sense of self, and not be afraid to show it. If that means she wants to play with a lightsaber and dress like Spiderman for Halloween then so be it – if not, I’m happy with a girly girl too. I just feel lucky to have this perfect, smart, funny and gorgeous child in my life.
VISIT OUR LE TOP HOME…
www.letop-usa.com
Le Top blog 
Just to show how quickly things change, this morning she chose to wear a swing top and looked very girly. When she found out that we may be going to a boy’s house to play after school she asked if she could change her shirt before going over (to something less girly). I told her that he didn’t care what she wore and just wanted her company.
Then a minute later she decided that she did not look cute or sweet enough because her shoes (Toystory tennis shoes) were not girly enough. She was very upset about it. Awww, the life of a pre-schooler. What is she going to be like as a teenager?
I have two tomboy daughters . I don’t see too much of a problem with it . It sort of even made us closer because I work good with children teaching karate ,asst coaching soccer and stuff . They told me I was everything good in there life because of what i’ve done with other peoples children which meant a lot to me because they’re more important than anything to me . This doesn’t mean we don’t share specail times you spend with your daughters .I always even play special songs like Blake Shelton’s god gave me you and stuff dancing with them singing it to them weather they need it or not .Tomboy or not Lizzie Isabella 9 and emma 7 will always be my little princess’s that will never change .I just let them make there own decisions if they want to be girlie they can if they want to keep being tougher tomboys as long as they’re not butchs and just stay tomboys that’s fine too .As long as they don’t cross the line parents have to keep them out of trouble and respected I don’t have a problem either way .Plus they’re not like butchs Lizzie Isabella even likes a boy like the situation you said with your daughter you talked about .They’re just tougher than most girls but not crossing over to butch but still have that little feminent side tomboys have sometimes and if they where dresse’s and stuff the few times they have to you can’t tell them between the cute girly girls .
The good thing is just because your little girl isn’t femanant like girls used to be known and tougher a tomboy .Doesn’t mean they’re overboard like a butch . As a matter of fact most tomboys get upset and upset if bullies pick on them calling them a butch .Pluss tomboys even though they’re tougher than most girls and some boys are very very friendly and passionate if you have a problem and need a friend or just someone to talk to they’re one of the people who will be there for you and help you out staying by your side through your problem or situation .
Yes, there is a part of me that loves that she’s a tomboy. I’m enjoying it as she’s getting older (now 6). I’m also seeing signs that she’s not so boyish. Just enough. I’m sure when she’s 13 I’ll be wishing for those tomboy days again. Thanks for the response.