Why are we still calling certain games "for girls"? My 2y.o. son plays tea party...

A couple of weeks ago, my little boy set up a tea party at home. He lined up his stuffed animals, poured pretend tea, and chatted with them. It was sweet, imaginative, and totally natural.

Today we went to a local indoor playground that had a dollhouse and a Montessori-style play kitchen. He spent a while playing there too—just as he did with cars, balls, blocks, and Legos.

But both times, my husband made comments like “those are games for girls” and said we should give him tools or more “boyish” toys instead.

I really don’t want to raise him with that mindset. Playing tea party, caring for toys, or pretending to cook—those are not gendered activities. They’re human skills. I love seeing him play freely, with empathy, creativity, and no shame.

I want to raise a confident, kind boy who isn’t afraid of tenderness. Not someone who holds back out of fear of not being "man enough.”

Have any of you been through something similar? How do you handle these kinds of comments—especially when they come from your partner and / or family?

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. ❤️