I just learned that I am going to have a boy about two hours ago. This is the first reading I did about raising boys.

As a young girl (4) my parents cut my hair very short and people asked if I were a boy.

I hated this. I was a very feminine girl, and was always naturally this way. I wore dresses every day to school to make sure no one would get confused again.

The interesting thing is no one was outraged that I looked like a boy!

Looks like in the reverse situation, this raises very emotional issues. Interesting!! Yup, raising boys and girls is definately different.

I think the underlying issue is one of image and fantasy versus reality though.

At 4, I wanted to be recognized for who I was - a girly girl in a frilly dress. So I was bothered people didn't see the reality of who I was because I looked like a tomboy.

If the boys in the article know who they are - if they know they are boys and can't grow up to nurse - and they know that they are boys, just with long hair - then then I think they will be just fine and are just being imaginative with long hair.

If they don't know that they are boys and can't nurse, and that other little boys they meet may look different, then I'd think this will be confusing to them.

I am guessing from my experience that kids become who they are no matter what when it comes to thier "gender personality" (girly girl, tomboy, macho boy, sensitive boy). I'm guessing that its going to be up to us as parents to figure out what they want and to make sure we help people see them for who they really are.

Hopefully the parents in the article will also have the sensitivity to help the boys navigate through a boy-world that looks different. There is no doubt in my mind that the boys will have to learn how to deal with at least some teasing and stares early on if they are immersed in a typical community. The boys should just hopefully know who they are and be proud of it.