Parents Celebrate Sons' Love Of 'Girls' Toys', As Four-Year-Old Sums Up The Problem With Gendered Toys

'It's literally that simple.'

Parents have been celebrating their sons' love of "girls' toys" after a four-year-old boy succinctly summed up why toys are always gender neutral.

Rheann MacLaren, from Scotland, took to Facebook to express her pride in her son Harry McGregor's response to a stranger in a toy shop who tried to dissuade him from playing with a pink doll's pushchair.

"I listened as you tried to belittle my son for his choice of toy," MacLaren wrote.

"'Oh you don't want that, it's just for girls, not boys! It's all pink and girly. There's cars and dinosaurs over there, why would you want that girly thing?!'

"I was about to have a go at you, tell you off for being so judgemental and critical of a small child - but my boy got there first, and answered you so much better than I could've: 'Cos I like it.'

"It's literally that simple."

MacLaren wrote that her son likes dinosaurs and mud, but he also enjoys playing with his toy kitchen and watching her put on makeup.

"Am I worried? No, not in the slightest,” MacLaren wrote. “My child will grow up a well-rounded, accepting boy who will never feel pressured to conform to gender stereotypes."

MacLaren's post inspired other parents to speak out about restrictive gender stereotypes.

"My Harry had baby dolls when he was wee," commented one mum. ":Brought a tear to my eye when he turned to me and said I'm going to be a good dad eh mum."

Another woman added: "My grandsons and my sons before them all had dollies and pushchairs which I bought. There should be no gender on toys."

Many parents commented that girls also enjoy playing with what are stereotypically considered "boys toys".

"My Harry is currently sporting pink nail varnish as he is influenced by his environment. It just so happens his mummy loves pink varnish! Gracie on the other hand has been playing fire fighters and will only answer to the name fireman Sam today," wrote a mum. "Let children be children and don't force stereotypical views on them."

Parents around the world have been using social media to share photos of their children proving that when it comes to toys gender barriers should not exist. 

Before You Go

Classic Toddler Toys That Never Get Old
Battat B. Doctor Set(01 of10)
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The doctor will see you now! Your mini medic will get a kick out of taking care of mom and dad with this kit. It comes complete with nine medical instruments, including a blood pressure cuff and syringe. Get it here: Amazon, $44.99 (credit:Amazon)
Tupperware Shape-O Toy (02 of10)
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This shape sorter is cool because of its unique spherical shape. It also presents more of a challenge than others on the market since it has ten shapes to match! Each block has a number imprinted in the middle with the corresponding number of dots on the other side, helping your little one identify shapes and learn their numbers at the same time. Bonus points because we have fond memories of playing with this exact one when we were kids! Get it here: Tupperware, $35 (credit:Tupperware)
Kritter Table (03 of10)
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Your toddler will love having his very own kid-sized table and chairs to sit at. Perfect for everything from crafting to eating, this set will no doubt be a fixture in your house for years to come! Get it here: Ikea table, $39.99; chairs, $16.99 each (credit:Ikea)
Fisher Price Corn Popper(04 of10)
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First produced in 1957, the Corn Popper push toy by Fisher Price is still as “pop”ular as ever owing to its toddler-approved combination of noise, movement and colour. Get it here: Chapters, $19.95 (credit:Chapters)
KidKraft Vintage Kitchen(05 of10)
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Toddlers will love mimicking the adults in their life by preparing food and washing dishes in a play kitchen. Tip: When buying a sizeable toy like a play kitchen, invest in one that you won't mind looking at every day, like this adorable vintage-inspired set by KidKraft. Get it here: Walmart, $125 (credit:Walmart)
Fisher Price Cash Register (06 of10)
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Fisher Price pretty much has a corner on the market when it comes to classic kids’ toys because they do them so well. The cash register has endeared itself to generations of tots with its change ramp and cash drawer that can be opened by turning the crank until the bell dings! Get it here: Toys R Us, $29.99 (credit:Toys R Us)
Green Toys Tea Set(07 of10)
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A tea set is a traditional toy, but we love this one by Green Toys for its contemporary updates. The environmentally-friendly set is made from recycled plastic milk jugs and it’s BPA, phthalate and lead-free. Plus, we love the neutral colour scheme. Get it here: Chapters, $34.94 (credit:Chapters)
Brio Pounding Bench(08 of10)
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Your little one will be able to practice her hand-eye coordination while making as much noise as she wants on this wooden pounding bench. Get it here: Mastermind Toys, $19.99 (credit:Mastermind Toys)
Uncle Goose Classic ABC Blocks(09 of10)
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We all had a set of blocks like this and the reason for their popularity? They are so much more than just building blocks. The popular style features different colours, letters and drawings to help your kiddo learn the alphabet, sort and even spell! Get it here: KolKid, $49.95 (credit:KolKid)
Large Wooden Doll Carriage(10 of10)
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New walkers love anything they can push, which means this doll carriage it sure to be a hit. Plus, the carriage allows them to mimic one of the most important people in their lives – you!Get it here: HomeSense, $69.99 (credit:HomeSense)