Gun play

[theatokos]

This is a post for all those born male and for mothers of males.

If you are a male, did you play with guns? Did you turn non-gun items into imaginary guns? Do you think this is something innate in males? If not, where did you learn this behaviour from? As an adult male now do you have any parenting perspectives on this, or advice for the new mama of a male?

For mothers of males, do your sons play with guns or have gun play? If so, at what age did this start? Does this bother you? If so, how do you discourage this? Any thoughts for a new mama?

Comments

[lopezuna.livejournal.com]

Don't remember playing with guns (other than water pistols) but my sisters and I definitely had fun with swords, bow-and-arrows and light sabres. And of course the knights-in-armor Playmobil, complete with armored horses, spears, lances and daggers. Now I'm getting all misty and nostalgic for my 1970s childhood. I hope my kid has it so good.

Story about guns and gender: An Israeli friend showed me a photo of his baby sister on basic training during her military service. Every conscript is issued with a serious weapon (an Uzi?) which they are supposed to keep with them at all times (including in the shower). My friend's sister had covered her gun with little stickers of hearts and flowers, to make it a bit more "cosy," just as she would have done with a pencil case.