Moms of boys

My boys visited some friends the other day and they had a kitchen. The boys loved it. They are at an age where they love to put things in drawers, take it out and out it in, over and over! They liked the noises the kitchen made it is really a great toy, I would love to get one but hubby says no kitchen for the boys. Yep, he is still stuck. Anyway, I have looked at work benches and I can't find anything that has the drawers and sound makers like the kitchen for the boys. Do any of you have a recommendation? I would love some pretend play for my boys! Oh, and the 50's diner is out of the question too. Keeping my fingers crossed you ladies have some ideas to throw at me!

 

My DH is the same way! I'm going to have my parents buy them one for their birthday in Sept, then he won't have a say in it. I did find these things though that might work for you. ALL of them have "choking hazards" and are not recommended for children under the age of 3, but it's your call.

tool bench

work bench

garage in a box

 

QUOTE(annelily2000 @ Feb 3 2009, 10:56 AM) [snapback]1174343[/snapback]
My boys visited some friends the other day and they had a kitchen. The boys loved it. They are at an age where they love to put things in drawers, take it out and out it in, over and over! They liked the noises the kitchen made it is really a great toy, I would love to get one but hubby says no kitchen for the boys. Yep, he is still stuck. Anyway, I have looked at work benches and I can't find anything that has the drawers and sound makers like the kitchen for the boys. Do any of you have a recommendation? I would love some pretend play for my boys! Oh, and the 50's diner is out of the question too. Keeping my fingers crossed you ladies have some ideas to throw at me!


Probably not what you want to hear, but you need to tell your husband he's being unreasonable. I mean, c'mon... this is not the 1950s. Play kitchens are developmentally appropriate for both boys and girls. Your boys will have a blast playing with their kitchen, they'll learn manual dexterity skills, and they'll still grow up to be well adjusted men. If, on the other hand, they're only allowed to play with "boy" toys, they'll grow up with warped views of what men versus women can do in life.

 

I think that's silly for a boy not to have a kitchen! women love men who cook!

BUT I did find this one that has an outdoor grill and picnic area on the reverse side...would that work?

http://www.littletikes.com/toys/inside-out...=1&N=26+144

 

QUOTE(mandyfish3 @ Feb 3 2009, 01:10 PM) [snapback]1174369[/snapback]
I think that's silly for a boy not to have a kitchen! women love men who cook!

BUT I did find this one that has an outdoor grill and picnic area on the reverse side...would that work?

http://www.littletikes.com/toys/inside-out...=1&N=26+144



This is so cool! We'll probably get this one. DH will love the grill. Hope your DH caves soon!

 

I think that kitchen/gril that Manyfish3 posted is super cool! lol

Were the friends that your boys visited boys? Im guessing it probably wouldnt matter to your DH if someone ELSE lets their boys play w/ a kitchen. My X is the same way; he doesnt like our boys to play w/ babydolls. I try to tell them they are pretending to be dad, and take care of a baby. (good thing he doesnt live w/ us anymore, b/c the boys play house with the girls all the time)

I think having someone else buy it for them is a great idea. Even if you have to give them the money and have them bring it as a gift. What would he do? throw it away?

I dont get men.

 

My DH was the same way at first, until I told him that is what I was getting them last year for Christmas...he got over it quick We just got the one that was about $40 you have to put it all together, it served the purpose and they played with it all the time. I even got them shopping carts. This year it went out in the trash no longer something they really played with much and they got a Home Depot bench and train table this year.

 

I like the garage in a box, but it had a bad review

QUOTE
Probably not what you want to hear, but you need to tell your husband he's being unreasonable. I mean, c'mon... this is not the 1950s. Play kitchens are developmentally appropriate for both boys and girls. Your boys will have a blast playing with their kitchen, they'll learn manual dexterity skills, and they'll still grow up to be well adjusted men. If, on the other hand, they're only allowed to play with "boy" toys, they'll grow up with warped views of what men versus women can do in life.

I know, it's sexist and I made sure to tell him that and the fact that regardless of them not getting a kitchen they will be learning to cook and that men who cook are very sexy. DH then told me to pick up some charcoil, LOL! I'll be sure they will understand and witness that women can do just the same as men

Mandy, I looked at that earlier and though it is somewhat "manlier" I still don't think it's enough. Though it does give me the idea to just look for some mega toy grills.

 

We have this one that we got at Costco for $99. The boys love it. It sits right next to their toolbench which they equally love. My husband didn't seem to care about getting them a kitchen as long as it wasn't pink. Of course he worked his way through college by cooking in a restaurant so maybe that's why? I love guys that cook. My 12 year old ds just cooked dinner with his dad's help last weekend. They made chicken cordon bleu. it was yummy!

 

I don't have any ideas about kitchens. We don't own one, just because we've spent our money on other things. But my boys loved playing with my nieces kitchen at my sisters house. I had to say though, my husband does over 80% of the cooking at our house, and even has the boys help out. It is sexy not to mention greatly needed by me. I HATE to cook. I love to bake though, so he moves out of "his" kitchen during Christmas so I can do my thing. :lol:

 

I was lucky. I got one handed down to me. I did not give DH a choice. He understands now, and sees them have so much fun with it.

Its a macho rediculous notion that boys can't enjoy a "girls" toy.

Get it anyway. He'll get over it.

 

Wait till they want their nails painted and put on high heels!! :laughing: It's all just good fun!

 

I got the same response when I suggested getting the boys a kitchen of some sort for Christmas. "That's for girls".... "Boys don't play with kitchens".... The funny thing is that a few days before Christmas my husband called me on the phone excited because he found something that he thought the boys would really like. It was Elmo's "Restaurant". I had to chuckle to myself because when he brought it home it has a stove, refrigerator, play food, - sounds sort of like a kitchen to me, but whatever! I guess because it had a grill on the top and a pretend cheeseburger then it was "manly" enough!

Anyways....just thought I'd share this story with you. Also, my boys love their restaurant and play with it every day. I'm sorry I don't know how to put a link into these messages but if you just type in Sesame Street Restaurant you will find it on the Internet.

Good luck!

 

Oy. Men!

My two got the 50's diner for Christmas, and Kevan loves it. And even without the kitchen, he always has a pot and toy utensil in his hands, and he likes to stir and taste his creations, LOL. Before Christmas, he played a lot with Nadia's very girly white beadboard wooden kitchen. I think I would have beat my DH if he had thought there was anything weird about it.

I expect my DH to go out and buy a work bench at some point, because he loves that kind of stuff -- and, I suspect Karina will enjoy it just as much as Kevan will.

You already know your DH is being ridiculous, so I don't think it will matter how "manly" the kitchen is....so you may as well just get the one you want!

 

My kids also have the indoor/outdoor kitchen. My son loved playing with the grill out first because of the sound it made now he plays with everything. All three of mine still play with that kitchen set a lot (we got it when my girls were 2, I think).
QUOTE(annelily2000 @ Feb 3 2009, 08:49 PM) [snapback]1174680[/snapback]
I like the garage in a box, but it had a bad review
I know, it's sexist and I made sure to tell him that and the fact that regardless of them not getting a kitchen they will be learning to cook and that men who cook are very sexy. DH then told me to pick up some charcoil, LOL! I'll be sure they will understand and witness that women can do just the same as men

Grilling also isn't a manly thing in this house since I am the one who does ALL the grilling in this house (I also do most of the cooking too). I love to grill and that's one of the reasons why I liked that kitchen set so much. My dh cooks with me a lot and the kids like to help too so we are all in the kitchen together.

 

QUOTE(idril @ Feb 3 2009, 06:07 PM) [snapback]1174364[/snapback]
Probably not what you want to hear, but you need to tell your husband he's being unreasonable. I mean, c'mon... this is not the 1950s. Play kitchens are developmentally appropriate for both boys and girls. Your boys will have a blast playing with their kitchen, they'll learn manual dexterity skills, and they'll still grow up to be well adjusted men. If, on the other hand, they're only allowed to play with "boy" toys, they'll grow up with warped views of what men versus women can do in life.


Exactly. Get them a kitchen

 

QUOTE(mandyfish3 @ Feb 3 2009, 06:10 PM) [snapback]1174369[/snapback]
I think that's silly for a boy not to have a kitchen! women love men who cook!

BUT I did find this one that has an outdoor grill and picnic area on the reverse side...would that work?

http://www.littletikes.com/toys/inside-out...=1&N=26+144



Perfect!

Oh look honey, I got them a BBQ. What the heck?!? How did that kitchen get on the other side?

 

Did not read all the other posts, There is a black n decker tool/work bench with obviously tools and drawers but, my two received "real" pots and pans at their second b day and a hand me down kithchen (pink) at about 2. We got rid of it about a year ago and (finally decided it was too big and wanted to reclaim part of my house!) they still give me grief about selling their kitchen. Also, now they are in mine! If they have one it can keep them out of your pots and pans (well maybe!) But, it is normal for them to want to play in the kitchen as well as the garage, also, how many chefs do you see that are men! Actually one of my boys favorite show was the take home chef.

Good luck

QUOTE(Callen @ Feb 4 2009, 02:38 PM) [snapback]1175663[/snapback]
Perfect!

Oh look honey, I got them a BBQ. What the heck?!? How did that kitchen get on the other side?



Too funny!

 

I was wondering if they make restaurant kitchens for kids? Most chefs are men. . .

 

We got our older DS the Little Tikes kitchen that has the kitchen on one side and the grill on the other for Christmas when he was 2.5 - he's 4.5 now and still plays with it. He plays with the kitchen side much more than the grill side - but he does play with both. He loves it! I know the babies will love it, too.

I say just buy the kitchen you want - and then when he sees how much they love it, he'll get over it! It's just a toy! Buy a few chef's hats and aprons and they can pretend they are chefs at a restaurant cooking you and your DH fabulous meals.

 

Ladies, it is just not going to happen. He argues that when the boys get old enough to play with other boys and they mention something about playing ina kitchen then they will get picked on. He had a cousin who made mud pies and he always wanted to just play with the girls and ended up getting picked on. DH's view is warped but it is what it is and I can understand his sentiment, his heart is in a good place and he means well. As certain as I am knowing they would love the kitchen I will not go behind his back and get the kitchen. It must be something else out there for them to play with and enjoy just as muuch as the kitchen.

 

QUOTE(annelily2000 @ Feb 3 2009, 12:56 PM) [snapback]1174343[/snapback]
My boys visited some friends the other day and they had a kitchen. The boys loved it. They are at an age where they love to put things in drawers, take it out and out it in, over and over! They liked the noises the kitchen made it is really a great toy, I would love to get one but hubby says no kitchen for the boys. Yep, he is still stuck. Anyway, I have looked at work benches and I can't find anything that has the drawers and sound makers like the kitchen for the boys. Do any of you have a recommendation? I would love some pretend play for my boys! Oh, and the 50's diner is out of the question too. Keeping my fingers crossed you ladies have some ideas to throw at me!



We have a kitchen that my son and daughter both love. We also have a shopping cart. My brother said something about the shopping cart being for girls, and I asked him who bought his groceries. Does your DH use a kitchen - open the fridge, run water in the sink? The Fisher Price one even has a study on the other side. How is a kitchen girly? Sorry - no advice - I just don't get it?

 

My boys got 2 workbenches for Christmas from family members. Know what they sometimes do with the screwdrivers? Use them to stir up whatever they are cooking in cups and bowls!! I would just get them the kitchen. It is totally appropriate for them. The workbenches are not appropriate, and if I would have been asked, I would have told my family not to get them. Instead I've just taken away the 100-some nuts, bolts, and screws. It also makes me nervous for the boys to be carrying around the screwdrivers, even if they are plastic. We are getting a kitchen for our boys for their b-day.

 

QUOTE(mandyfish3 @ Feb 3 2009, 01:10 PM) [snapback]1174369[/snapback]
I think that's silly for a boy not to have a kitchen! women love men who cook!

BUT I did find this one that has an outdoor grill and picnic area on the reverse side...would that work?

http://www.littletikes.com/toys/inside-out...=1&N=26+144


My cousin has this for her kids and my kids LOVE it, they beeline for it whenever we are over there, I guess the grill makes it seem more manly!!

What about the fisher price laugh and learn house, it doesn't have drawers but all sorts of other fun things and its pretty gender neutral, its the outside and inside of a doorway.

 

QUOTE(annelily2000 @ Feb 4 2009, 09:19 AM) [snapback]1175973[/snapback]
Ladies, it is just not going to happen. He argues that when the boys get old enough to play with other boys and they mention something about playing ina kitchen then they will get picked on. He had a cousin who made mud pies and he always wanted to just play with the girls and ended up getting picked on. DH's view is warped but it is what it is and I can understand his sentiment, his heart is in a good place and he means well. As certain as I am knowing they would love the kitchen I will not go behind his back and get the kitchen. It must be something else out there for them to play with and enjoy just as muuch as the kitchen.

Well, you're a lot more respectful of your husband's ridiculous thoughts than I would be! My guess is that the majority of those older boys that your boys will be playing with will have played with kitchens themselves, so that argument is just plain wrong. Instead, when your boys hear all about the other boys playing with kitchens, then your boys will be jealous that they never got the chance. Sorry, I just have a really hard time with this one. I think I would choose this as a 'put my foot down' opportunity with DH. I'm sure you are right that he means well, but he is doing your boys a disservice.

FWIW, I have a very manly-man kind of guy for a husband, and it never occurred to him to be put off by a kitchen for our boys. Santa brought them the 50's diner for Christmas, and they love it - as do their daddy and grandpa! We got the diner because we thought it was the coolest option, but we were originally planning on a regular kitchen and DH had no problem with it. (Actually it never occurred to me to ask his permission - I told him we were getting them a kitchen, and he said sounds good.)

Good luck - whether you decide to force the issue with a kitchen, or with your search for a different kind of toy. Sorry I couldn't provide more of the kind of help you were looking for. :blush:

 

My son asked Santa for a real slow cooker "crock pot" when we was three! He has been cooking up a storm ever since. Now at age 12 he makes many meals for me each week. last night he made dinner, rice, orange chicken, veggies and a cake! I got my younger boys many play food items hoping they will follow in big brothers foot steps!

I'm glad you are standing up for your boys and will let them follow there own interests!

 

Ah-I have an idea...your hubby needs to watch the food network...Bobbi Flay, Emmeril, Mario Batali, These are very succesful chefs who own their own restaurants and DEFINETLY know their way around a kitchen!!!!!!!!

 

Oh mine wont let jack dress up, wear dressing up shoes or play with sophies dolls or buggy. Apartenly little boys shouldnt play with girly stuff. I have no problem with it and i think that the more that you stop them the more they want to do it. If he does it when dads out then who am i to stop him he loves dressing up! x

 

QUOTE(alex&andysmom @ Feb 5 2009, 03:55 AM) [snapback]1176902[/snapback]
Ah-I have an idea...your hubby needs to watch the food network...Bobbi Flay, Emmeril, Mario Batali, These are very succesful chefs who own their own restaurants and DEFINETLY know their way around a kitchen!!!!!!!!


Exactly! I just bought my boys one of the little tykes kitchens. They love the one at the Dr.s office.. My dh was like...aww why don't you get them a workbench instead but he was kinda laughing about it.. I don't care... they enjoy playing with it so I'm not gonna stress about it..

 

Doesn't he know that some of the best chefs in the world are men??? We got the boys the 50's diner for Christmas. I picked it just in case my sil might have an issue with the "kitchen for boys" concept. The kids LOVE LOVE LOVE their diner and their dad does too!!

 

My husband refused the play kitchen (and the workbench) because we already have too many large toys. We're using the real kitchen. It started with them playing with pots/pans/spoons and now I give them real cooking jobs they can handle (stirring, scooping dry ingredients, sprinkling in the spices, cutting fruit with plastic knives, etc.) I even let them use the meat mallet once with very close supervision. They're in love with cooking and tell me all of the time how they will learn to make various meals when they get a little bigger.

SO, if you don't end up getting a play kitchen, it's not the end of the world nor will it mean they won't like cooking. I think your husband's reason is absurd but if you can't convince him, they will manage.