Not a big deal.

DH here. I would not allow my two sons to use that phrase. They have an older sister who I'm sure will beat them up if they try to

Those statements are insulting and I would never allow my boys to use them because I don't allow them to speak in an insulting manner to anyone. But, that being said, my boys hang out with a mixed boy/girl crowd and it is full of amazing girl athletes, so the "like a girl" phrases don't have the same meaning. So, another vote for not lightening up.

little league pitcher-Mo'ne Davis, 70mph fast ball.
Google her for your boys and see what they think about throwing like a girl after that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Mom of two boys ages 7 and 11.

Yes, you need to lighten up. In fact, I use that expression myself. We all have a good laugh.

Girls and Boys are different. Nothing wrong with that. And BTW, this is part of teaching my boys to ADORE girls.

You're wrong. My girl can out-run every boy she's ever raced. You are laughing at the expense of your own gender. You should be ashamed of yourself. Seriously.

Agreed. A good laugh?

What type of self-hating woman are you?

Wasnt the winning little league world series pitcher last year a ....... GIRL?!

How's that for "throwing like a girl"?

Yes, boys and girls are different but everyone can be respectful. Its our job to teach all of our kids that.

Don't lighten up, keep correcting.

Anonymous wrote:Mom of two boys ages 7 and 11.

Yes, you need to lighten up. In fact, I use that expression myself. We all have a good laugh.

Girls and Boys are different. Nothing wrong with that. And BTW, this is part of teaching my boys to ADORE girls.

Time to grow up and stop using that expression. Saying something like, "You throw like a girl," is meant to be derogatory and an insult to the boy. It also belittles girls in that the expectation is that they cannot do what boys do.

OP, I don't like the phrase either. I would correct my own kids, but I'm not sure how comfortable I would be in correcting other people's kids. Are the parents around when the kids say this?

And why would I want my boys to ADORE girls? I want them to respect and treat them equally. I'm sure they will like some and not others.

Anonymous wrote:Mom of two boys ages 7 and 11.

Yes, you need to lighten up. In fact, I use that expression myself. We all have a good laugh.

Girls and Boys are different. Nothing wrong with that. And BTW, this is part of teaching my boys to ADORE girls.

You're wrong. My girl can out-run every boy she's ever raced. You are laughing at the expense of your own gender. You should be ashamed of yourself. Seriously.

Wouldn't like it.
- mom of little boys (4, 1) who thinks it is lame that "girl" is an insult

Mom of two boys ages 7 and 11.

Yes, you need to lighten up. In fact, I use that expression myself. We all have a good laugh.

Girls and Boys are different. Nothing wrong with that. And BTW, this is part of teaching my boys to ADORE girls.

No, don't lighten up. My 23 yr old man-child was raised to be a feminist, which means in part shutting down statements offensive to females. Girls love him for it. He has always had a lot of girl friends because they have sensed they could talk to him, and has had really intelligent girlfriends.

Don't lighten up. It's an old cliche people fall back on, that they really should examine and retire.

I think you are right! Mine are 4 and 7 and being girlish is a huge insult and I'm happy to tell them why they are wrong.

I have two little boys. They are just finishing K and 2nd grades. They are typical boys... Love to play outdoors, rough and tumble, sports, etc.

We recently moved to a new neighborhood, and it is fabulous!!! However, I've noticed that a few of the boys my boys play with use the phrase "like a girl" as an insult a lot. You throw like a girl! You cry like a girl! It really rubs me the wrong way. Whenever I hear it, I intervene and ask them why they are saying that, and gently point out that many girls are awesome at running, throwing, etc., and that it shouldn't be used as an insult.

It has happened enough times that now I am wondering if I just need to lighten up? I really don't want my boys to think this is ok, but at the same time I don't want to be ridiculously overbearing.

Thoughts?