3 y.o. DD says she wants to be a boy

[Anonymous]

My 3 year old DD occasionally says something about wanting to be a boy, wanting to cut her hair short like her younger brother’s bc that’s how boys wear their hair, etc. etc.

I usually just ask her questions in return (“hmm why do you say that?”) or say that girls can have short hair too.

I’m not sure exactly what I’m asking - maybe just to see if this is a common thing or no?

(Disclaimer to say I support however she or anyone else chooses to live their lives as they get older, just not sure what this means in a 3 year old!)

[Anonymous]

She is 3. Why are your worrying about it?
Just say ok and go about your day.

[Anonymous]

My 3 year old says she wants to be a dinosaur. I don’t put a lot of stock in it.

[Anonymous]

I wanted to be an alien at 3. I also pretend to be a dog. She's 3. Sometimes kids just say things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She is 3. Why are your worrying about it?
Just say ok and go about your day.

Definitely not worried, more just like wondering if there is something more to it. But I guess it will play out however it will play out so maybe even pondering about now it is too much!

[Anonymous]

This is super common, I wouldn’t read too much into it unless it really becomes A THING. You’ll know if it is actually gender dysmorphia or if it’s just something she is saying.

[Anonymous]

My 3 year old said she's a cookie.

[Anonymous]

Just laugh OP and say “sorry sweetheart! But you’re the best girl ever.”

Or something like that.

[Anonymous]

I kind of put this in the category of "that's nice, dear" and move on.

[Anonymous]

Just respond the same way you would if she said she wants to be a fairy, bunny, princess, rock, fireman, etc.

Kids say weird things. Mine insisted she communicated with fairies at that age.

[Anonymous]

I was a total tomboy from toddler to MS. I always had short hair, and wore my brother's clothes (which my mom hated). I am a heterosexual female. Married with two kids. I'm still not the girly feminine type, but I have longish hair now.

[Anonymous]

Team “okay dear” to her saying she wants to be a boy.

But also, if she consistently wants short hair and “boy” clothes let her have them. (If like my 3yo she waffles between wanting short hair like her brother and wailing at the sight of the hair scissors, leave well enough alone however.)

[Anonymous]

My DD said this at 3. There were a lot of boys at preschool and her best friend was a boy, she wanted to change her name to his.
I said she could cut her hair, which she liked, and that older kids could change their names if they wanted but she was too young. The phase passed quickly after that and has not come up again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Team “okay dear” to her saying she wants to be a boy.

But also, if she consistently wants short hair and “boy” clothes let her have them. (If like my 3yo she waffles between wanting short hair like her brother and wailing at the sight of the hair scissors, leave well enough alone however.)

Disagree with this. Why should a 3 YO call the shots on what she wears? This is where parental guidance is needed.

[Anonymous]

Just respond like she says "I want to be a teacher" or "I want to be a police officer" or whatever. NO judgment! Do not make this a big deal.