Brooke Lumsden’s heart sometimes breaks when she finds her 9-year-old son crying and wishing he was “normal” just like everybody else and often questioning himself about his interest in “girl’s toys”. At a young age, Brooke tried to make him understand that if he tries to make others happy by doing only the things they expect him to do, he would never be truly happy– but it all seems for naught. Despite all his efforts to be “one of the boys” by watching wrestling and playing football– he still loves his doll houses and dress sketches. And forcing himself to go through these activities only serves to leave him feeling even more alienated.
But what children struggle with, parents struggle with too. What most people do not understand is that parents just want their children to be happy and have a good sense of self. Children shouldn’t be shamed because of their choice of toys and sexuality shouldn’t be determined by the toys they play with. Children do not have to hide their true self and fear the taunts of kids at school, at home or in the neighborhood. They need to be accepted and not attached these hurtful labels because, after all, they are just kids being kids.

Click here to read Brooke’s full article..