would you put nail polish on your son?????

Joy - posted on 09/21/2010

Only thing I'm gonna say about the backpack HARNESS is that I have one, used it several times, my son loved it and still brings it to me from time to time just because he likes wearing it. And no, I never had a hard time controlling my son or keeping him from running off. It's a safety device we used because of the busy area we lived in at the time and I'd rather him be on a "leash" than taken by some freak who would have done who knows what to my baby.



About the nail polish? I had this same thing come up with my own son (3 next month) a few weeks ago. I finally found time to paint my nails (YAY!). I always do, clear coat, two color coats and then a final clear coat. Well, I was just getting started on the first clear coat on my toes and my son comes to me, sticks his finger down by the brush and says "I want some". I had never even thought about what I would do in this situation. I was already sitting at my computer so I literally closed up the clear coat bottle and posed the question on my FB status. The majority of my friends said "Why not? Do it! It's harmless! Especially since it's just clear." I ended up not painting his nails, clear or otherwise, but that's because he lost interest once I started typing and by the time I got back to it he was already asleep for the night. Next time though? I don't see a problem with it. Honestly, my nephews used to try wearing my sister in law's high heels around this age. What's the difference? I'm not saying I would put pink or purple on my son but I wouldn't put those "girly" colors on me either. I stick to reds, blues or just clear coat by itself and any of those? Yeah, why not? He's not even 3. Having blue toes isn't going to define him. It's just gonna allow him to try to be like Mommy, and what's wrong with that at his age?

Krista - posted on 09/21/2010

It does make sense, Barbara. There were always some kids who you could tell were just trying too hard to fit in and be liked, and the desperation emanated off of them in waves.

Barbara - posted on 09/21/2010

Our son has worn nail polish on several occasions. He is also named Blackbird. Our position is that if you are going to be made fun of, you're going to be made fun of no matter what your name is or how you are dressed. My husband's family was very eclectic, he dressed funny and did what he wanted, and he was one of the most popular guys in school. I think it was because he really didn't care at all what anyone thought. If someone tried to make fun of him, he wouldn't have noticed.
On the other hand I saw kids who were really trying to be cookie cutter perfect, but who were teased relentlessly. I think being afraid of something like that makes it more likely to occur. Does that make sense?

Lindsay - posted on 09/21/2010

No biggie. My son has had his nails painted several different times. If I'm painting my nails or doing my make-up with the kids around, it's pretty much a guarantee that they will soon both be lined up with their turn. They get whatever color I am currently using because it's more convenient. So yes, Cooper has left the house to go whatever in his flip flops and bright pink toes....I don't see the issue.

As far the the backpack leashes....I still find it silly that people feel the need to debate this! It's a safety procaution. You care about your dog enough to keep him out of the street, why not protect your child? Not every child needs one, but some are definately safer with them than without them. Kids are unpredictable and when you are on a busy street or in a crowd, let the kid get out of the stroller, get some exercise and do it safely! :)

Sarah - posted on 09/21/2010

I don't see what the big debate is over the whole backpack leash thing. If it's the only way you can keep up with your kid, then fine. Do what you need to do. My son is only 12 months old, so I don't need one yet....we'll see how I feel about them when the time comes. But, honestly, I'd rather have my kid strapped to a cute little backpack leash than have then running off into the street or parking lot or something.



As far as the nail polish goes...HECK NO. Sorry, that's a little too girly to me. Plus, daddy wouldn't be very happy about it either. There are some gender specific things that I think need to stick with the gender it is intended for...nail polish being one of them. If my son wants to play with a kitchen set or a doll or something, I think that's okay...but no makeup or nail polish type stuff.

Meghan - posted on 09/21/2010

I picked my son up from daycare yesterday and every single one of the boys (4 of them) where in the dress up tub putting on high heels, tiaras and costume jewelery. And you know what I have never heard so many giggles and laughs!

Nicole - posted on 09/21/2010

Nail polish.. generally at that age they want it on because they see Mommy doing it. They don't care about social norms. They think its pretty. Boys at this age also have no qualms about putting on dresses and "girly" things in the dramatic play centers and such. This speaks nothing about their future masculinity. This is normal 2-4 year old behaviour as they explore the world around them.
So if my son asked me for nail polish while I was putting it on, I would probably comply. Would I give him bright red? No likely I would choose a more neutral colour. There is no harm in it what so ever. It lets them feel included and special because they got to wear some of Mommy's stuff.

Back pack leashes have their places. In large group/crowds with a toddler/preschooler who is wont to take off at a run to examine the nearest curiosity and be lost from sight in the see of legs needs a backpack leash. I swore I would never use a back pack leash until I went to a folk festival with my almost 2 year old and nearly had a panic attack. There were too many people to take the bike trailer that doubles as a stroller and my very independent son did not want to be trapped in it all weekend either. The following morning I went and bought a back pack leash. He wore it only when we were wandering through the crowds to different events. He loved it and I wasn't terrified I would lose him.

Isobel - posted on 09/20/2010

I haven't read the replies yet...but here goes...when Eve was 3 and Q was a year and a half, I was painting my toes (it must have been a pretty special occasion because god knows i didn't wear so much as lipstick when they were little)...anyhoo...Eve came over and asked if I would paint hers too, so I did...then Q climbed up onto the couch and put his little tiny foot in front of me, lifted his little eyebrows and said ee tooo?

How do you say no to that??? Sorry, you have a penis, and therefore cannot do what we're doing...it's ridiculous...

you guys are right though...his father wasn't impressed hahaha

Krista - posted on 09/20/2010

My kid is huge, and shows signs of growing up to be a big lad. I'm guessing that if he wants to wear toenail polish, not too many kids would dare to say anything to him about it. And if any of the adults want to say something, they'll have me to deal with.

Iris - posted on 09/20/2010

I don't see a problem with it. My nephew, when he was a toddler always got nail polish at grandmas house, and he wore her jewelries. I just don't see the problem. They either grow out of it or they don't.

Meghan - posted on 09/19/2010

I would rather put nail polish on my son than have him put it on himself / the carpet / his clothes....yes this has happened to me a couple of times- and every time I have caught him he tells me he is "pretty like mommy". Imitation is the best form of flattery right?

Charlie - posted on 09/19/2010

Yeah i went to school in Tonga :D same deal-e-o no one is going to tell a 6 foot Tongan boy he looks like a girl haha .

Anika - posted on 09/19/2010

Heeh, where was that Loureen (about the skirt)? And skirts are a cultural thing. Lavalava's like Samoans wear are essentially big skirts but I bet no one is going to call a huge Samoan guy a girl! LOL.

Charlie - posted on 09/19/2010

I haven't done it but i have picked him up from grandmas to find him with purple fingernails , my only problem is the toxic smell otherwise it doesn't really bother me .



LOL Mary Cooper does that too when i use my brush :D



I just wanted to add Cooper has a Pink paci his dad bought accidentally , no one has ever said anything and Cooper really doesn't care because little kids dont carry the hangups some adults do about something as simple as a color , I also attended school overseas where the boys uniform was a SKIRT and shirt and the girls wore pinafores .

?? - posted on 09/19/2010

There's no way I'd ever stop doing anything because of some tool that can't look past their own nose, personally.



There's no way I'd ever 'expect' a kid to poke fun of another kid simply because they're wearing nail polish, either.



If I ever found out that my son made fun of another boy over, anything really but besides that, painted toe nails... I would be so so so discouraged by his attitude and want to know why on earth he would ever think that would be an alright thing to do.

Anika - posted on 09/19/2010

Jo if we stopped doing everything because ignorant people thought it wasn't ok, well, what would be left to do?

?? - posted on 09/19/2010

Apparently some people do, Krista. So much so, that they would go so far as to call the child feminine and I'm guessing would not be surprised if their children picked on and made fun of that child too...

Krista - posted on 09/19/2010

I honestly don't think it's a big deal. If my little guy decides he wants his toenails painted someday while I'm doing mine, then sure, I'll do his. Who cares?

Alison - posted on 09/19/2010

meh. I was painting my nails once and my son wanted to join in when he was a toddler so I gave his little toes a paint. It was fun, but I got it off shortly after because he used to suck his toes and I didn't want him to ingest it. I wouldn't let him wear sandals in public while he had it on, but I don't think it's that big of a deal. I think all kids should have painted toes nails that are co-ordinated with their leash backpack though.

Tiffany - posted on 09/19/2010

I would not put nail polish on my son!! I don't think that is appropriate for a boy to wear, plus I wouldn't want him to be made fun of from other children especially other boys.

Anika - posted on 09/19/2010

I don't see any problem with it. I see it as the same as dressing up. At my centre a few boys have turned up with their toe and or finger nails painted. They saw their mum doing it and were interested. I don't see the harm. Though I also don't see the harm of little boys wearing high heels and dresses during pretend play. It's just innocent experimentation and role play.

And as an aside, if my husband had a problem with our (hypothetical) son wearing nail polish, I'd think he was pathetic. I mean, what do you think will happen if your son wears nail polish? Will they become gay *gasp* or will their testicles recede into their bodies and turn into ovaries? No. That's just stupid talk.

Dana - posted on 09/19/2010

Rebecca, why don't you "agree" with the backpack/leashes? Especially if you think you could benefit from them?

Dana - posted on 09/19/2010

Aw. that is adorable, Mary!

Jenni - posted on 09/19/2010

I'm personally against gender-discrimination. If my son seen me putting on nail-polish, or make up or high-heeled shoes and wanted to try them himself i'd have no problem with it. The same goes for my daughter wanting to wear boy's clothing (which seems to be far more acceptable in society?) or playing with trucks.

I'm not afraid of my son being gay or my daughter being a lesbian. Not that doing these things would mean that they are. I think it's far more acceptable in today's society for boys to wear nail-polish. Even when I was in school there were boys who would wear black nail-polish and I've had quite a few male friends who didn't mind us putting make-up on them or asked us to.

I think it shows gender-equality is on the increase.

As far as the Backpack leash? I'm not familar but I imagine it's a type of kiddie leash? I wouldn't be so quick to judge his parents. For all you know the child may have mild autism, ADHD or some other behavioural disorder.

ME - posted on 09/19/2010

Speaking of makeup...when I'm getting ready for work in the mornings, Miles will pick up my brushes and go "dusting my face" in a sing-song voice, while applying the remnants of powder left on the brush...I think it's adorable...

Jenny - posted on 09/19/2010

It's really not a big deal. If my son asked I would paint his toes. I'm sure he will ask too, this is the kid who likes to play trucks while dressed as a princess.

Rebecca - posted on 09/19/2010

My friends son got in to the nail polish and every time he did it was colored. I would never put a color on my son. I however have put clear on his toes because while painting mine red he wanted some so i got my clear and did some. I see no harm in it. I would only allow my daughter to have polish and when she is old enough to keep her fingers out of her mouth she can have polish if i see fit.
The back pack is another story...i too don't agree with them but i swear at times we wish we had one for our 3yr old son. He is such a runner and i hate the looks we get when he is throwing a fit because he doesn't want to hold our hand and he will not sit in a cart and most of the time we need to put our daughter in it anyways. We deal and we have never gotten one but seriously i think they can have some benefits.

Petra - posted on 09/19/2010

What's the big deal? I think those leashes are a great idea and I'll probably buy one when my little dude starts running all over the place. Nail polish? I do not see how painting his nails is bad or wrong. I wouldn't do it until the little guy is past the sticking-everything-in-his-mouth phase, but I really don't see why this has to be a girl thing. Indulging in fun stuff like this is not going to turn a little guy gay, lol.

Tracie - posted on 09/19/2010

If it stops a tantrum! haha- I've known of a few boys to have their nails painted- after watching mum do hers. My son (6) asked me 'what was i doing' when i put on my make-up the other day, luckily he left it at that, I'm not a nail painter- but my daughter painted my sons nails when he was a toddler- it hasn't scarred him for life... (he didn't want the make-up after all!) lol

Sharon - posted on 09/18/2010

OK... I used a leash because I needed it. I don't need it any more as it served it's purpose as a safety and teaching tool with a very quick little boy. My boy is almost 4 and now knows how to stay by my side. Yes, my boy has worn nail polish. If I'm painting my daughter's nails he wants to join in. No big deal, he is a little boy and wants to have colourful nails too. It doesn't make him any less of a boy the same as my daughter playing with trucks doesn't make her any less of a girl.

Dana - posted on 09/18/2010

And I totally agree with Amie, until you're a mom who needs one for your child, you really have no clue how necessary it is.

Dana - posted on 09/18/2010

I would have no problem if my son wanted me to paint his toenails. I'm sure one day when I'm doing mine he'll want his done, big whoop.
As far as a back pack leash. I got one for my son, I LOVE it and so does he. He's very active, he runs everywhere and doesn't walk. The back pack leash gives him a few feet of freedom and he doesn't have to walk everywhere holding onto my hand, which only makes him melt into a pile at my feet anyhow.

Kelly - posted on 09/18/2010

I probably wouldn't do it (unless my son specifically asked me to, then I'd say "sure! why not!"), but regardless of my opinion on either matter, the leash or the polish, I certainly would never be as judgmental and prejudiced towards anyone as you are.

Jennifer - posted on 09/18/2010

I'm not bothered really but it would depend on the age of the child. I've seen babies with their toenails painted and to me that's just pathetic lol!

Lyndsay - posted on 09/18/2010

Mehh, I don't care. My 3 year old son has shown interest while I was painting my nails before and I painted one of his thumb nails (it was metallic blue). He thought it was cool for awhile, then it eventually chipped off and that was the end of it. Never asked me again. Do I think that painting a toddler's toe nails and sending him off to daycare is wierd? I certainly do. But, if the kid is curious I really don't see any harm in indulging their interests.

On a side note... my dad, who's 44, and COMPLETELY straight (a bit of a man-whore, actually), used to get drunk at our trailer park during the summers and paint his toe nails.

Jocelyn - posted on 09/18/2010

If I paint my toenails, I have to paint my sons :P His choice, not mine. So I have a black non-toxic nail polish (that's just for kids) that I use on him.
Conner (said son) use to obsessively pick at his toenails, and if I painted his nails he wouldn't pick! Now it's just for "fashion" lol.

Jodi - posted on 09/18/2010

I don't have an issue with any of it. I would have just made the assumption that possibly mum was painting her nails, and he wanted to be included so she did his too.

And yes, my daughter had her nails painted a couple of times when she was that age too, just a very pale pink. I don't see the big deal in occasionally painting a 3 year old's nails.....it's not like I take her for manicure at the local nail salon weekly.

?? - posted on 09/18/2010

I don't see an issue with either back-pack or nails. The backpack harness is a safety precaution that the parent, I guess, feels is necessary -- or in the case of my friends 2 year old, she saw the monkey backpack and wanted it, since it carried a toy and her water bottle too she got it for her and Kora was the one who said "mommy hold me" and gave the leash end to Sarah. Even though Kora holds hands while walking on the sidewalk and knows the dangers of the road, she's the one that wanted the monkey backpack (over the dora, barbie or any other back pack they were there to pick out).

The nail polish, big deal. Mom could have been painting her nails and her son wanted his done too, so she painted his toes. Big whoop. My brother always had his nails painted, fingers and toes cause his 5 sisters would ask him to play too. From the time I can remember, he had barrettes in his hair, paint on his nails, make up on his face, and dresses too boot. With 2 older sisters and 3 younger sisters, he just went with it... and he had a blast too -- there's nothing like playing pretend and make believe to help any child be comfortable in their own skin.

We even have pictures of my brother and his friend dressed up as ladies with all of us girls when he was 12. And now, at 29, he's a bodybuilder, professional athlete training for the Olympics and about as manly as manly men get. Playing dress up and acting like a lady, didn't affect his manhood in the least.

If I was painting my nails and Gabe wanted it done too, I'd have no issues with it.

Chatty - posted on 09/18/2010

If I had a son and he wanted to paint his nails, I would happily do it for him.

ME - posted on 09/18/2010

If Miles wants to wear it, I have no problem with it...

Rosie - posted on 09/18/2010

no biggie. when my oldest boy was younger his cousin was getting her fingernails painted by grandma and he wanted some too!! i could care less-yes he ended up with hot pink, and glitter nails, but he was happy and that's all that matters. :)

Teresa - posted on 09/18/2010

No I wouldn't, but having a little boy in a house w/ only females.... I can totally understand how little boys would WANT to and don't think it's a big deal at all if a parent wants to allow it. Instead I just let my son put on his sisters clothes and pink backpacks... much easier to take off. ;)

Good Day! - posted on 09/18/2010

When they are little and want to do what mom does, sure....why not? Clear or black or silver. They'll most likely realize on their own that other boys don't do it.

Amie - posted on 09/18/2010

Well considering I've had to use the back pack on my 3rd, I have no issue with it. It's easy for mom's to think they don't need it, until they actually do. My oldest two were fine without one, my youngest seems like she may not need it. Time will tell with the youngest though.

As for boys nails, no real issue there either. Our son (6 yrs next week) still gets his nails painted once in awhile by his sister's. When he says no, they don't do it. Little boys don't really care what others think of them, they see others (mom, aunt, sisters, etc.) doing it so they want in on the fun. When they're old enough to say, No I don't want to, then you stop. If they're asking for it to be done, don't make a big deal about it. It's a phase, like so many things with children, that passes.

JuLeah - posted on 09/18/2010

It is culture .... in many men wear dresses and necklaces. It is what men wear.



I know many men who were nail polish here. It used to cause a BIG freak out to see a man in ear rings, but now many men wear them.



There was a time women could not wear pants/jeans. Now we do, which is good, as that is all I wear.



So, why can't guys wear skirts? How is that fair?



Men had to fight for the legal right to work as nurses, did you know that? Just as women had to fight for the right to be doctors.



This goes beyond fashion for me. It is about putting people in little boxes with labels and expecting them to stay there with no fuss.



Well, I am glad women got fussy, and now we can vote, wear jeans, be doctors, own land .....



I don't mind nail polish .... a friend and I were driving down the street last week and saw a man in a Hawaiian print skirt and a flowered shirt ..... we both objected strongly, felt someone needed to put a stop to his actions, but laughed later when we noticed we were both objecting based on fashion (that skirt and shirt did NOT match) and not objecting based on gender. It was funny.

Brandy - posted on 09/18/2010

I have a leash that somebody gave me along with some other hand-me-downs and when I first pulled it out of the box, I had no idea what it was, then I figured it out and threw it back in the box thinking I would never use it. Then, my daughter started nearing 2 and started testing me and when we would go for walks and I said "wait for mommy at the corner" or "we need to go this way", she would bolt and a couple of times she almost ran onto the street before I got to her. So, I took it out one day and put it on her when we were walking just for a few minutes, long enough for her to realize she didn't like it. Then I told her that if she couldn't listen and be more careful when we are walking that I was going to have to put it on her in order to keep her safe. I haven't used it since and that was about 9 months ago.
As for the nail polish, my friend was painting her toenails one day and her 2 year old boy wanted it so she painted just his big toe on one foot just to satisfy his curiosity. The only problem was that it was dark and everybody thought he hurt his toe and his nail turned black. I've done it with my daughter a few times but I won't use what I consider "grown up" colors on her. It has to be light pink or blue or purple.

Cathy - posted on 09/18/2010

Mambo Melon IS an ugly colour!

Joanna - posted on 09/18/2010

My daughter (just turned 3 yesterday *sniff sniff*) gets her toenails painted on occasion as a treat or if she's having a bad day. It's something really special that we do together after bathtime. I don't see a problem with it, whether it's a boy or girl. Even if the boy's wearing pink (does it matter what color, really?). It's not trying to make them grow up or treating them like they aren't kids... they ARE kids who like color, and at 2/3 they are learning to express themselves, and this is just a small way we can help do that, and can be a cute little bonding experience or reward for them.

I have a friend who's little boy was 3 and just wouldn't take to potty training. She tried m&ms, small presents, sticker charts, etc, and nothing worked. But he was always fascinated with watching her paint her nails. So she said each time he used the potty she'd paint one of his toe-nails. Soon he was potty trained AND had "rainbow feet" he called them. It was adorable.

C. - posted on 09/18/2010

We get that.. But a 3 year old?

Ashley=) - posted on 09/18/2010

Its fashion for punk rock/emo style kids or goths etc to wear nail polish..even the boys.If i had a son and he wanted his nails painted i would its just fun..on the toes is easier to hide to lol..i dont know if i would allow my son to go out with it on his finger nails as a toddler etc but if he had one of those styles as a teen or adult all for it.Thought my daughter whos 20mth would need a backpack because shes wild lol no really energetic and i fear for her safety in public but i never had to use it..just have to have very good focus and attention on her.I support moms who use them though 100%.