I'm Buying My 3-Year-Old Son a Vacuum: Mini Household Items Are Not Just for Girls

No, you did not misread the title. I will be buying my 3-year-old son a miniature Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner for Christmas, and there is nothing wrong with that. After all, we all know that a toy will not turn somebody gay. It just does not work that way. I will also be purchasing a kitchen set, perhaps even an Easy Bake oven for him. These are marketed to little girls but we have to remember that our sons will not live with us forever. Personally, I refuse to follow my son around until he marries, cleaning and cooking for him. That and some day he will leave home to go to college and there is no way that I will follow him and clean his dorm. Cooking and cleaning for one's self should be an ability taught to every child regardless of gender. This means the child will be healthier in the long run. Doesn't make sense to you?

Consider how much money a single male can save if he knows how to prepare meals for himself. And now, take a moment to think about how unhealthy fast food is. If a boy is taught from an early age how to clean his living space and cook healthy meals, you will at least know he is clean and fed once he moves away from home. By the time a boy is six years old, he can handle cleaning his own room. This includes putting his clothes in a hamper, making his bed, putting his toys in a box or on shelves, and also using a lightweight vacuum cleaner. It may not be perfectly done but as time passes, he will get better and quicker. Housework cannot be solely "woman's work" because males will not always live with a woman, so they must learn.

I also feel very strongly about what we teach our daughters. Females should know the difference between a screwdriver and a wrench. Every woman should be able to change the car's battery, flats, and check the oil plus be able to add some if it's needed. I actually believe it should be a requirement before buying a car for a teenage girl. Think about how much safer a young woman would be out on a road with a flat if she knew how to change it herself. She could change it and be on her way without being at the mercy of other motorists. The next generation of women won't necessarily leave home to move in with their husbands. Most young women will leave home to drive to college or move out on their on and into the workforce. There is absolutely no reason why a young woman of today should have to rely on a man to handle everyday issues. Just like they should be able to handle simple issues at their home such as a clogged toilet or a leaky faucet. Young women should also be taught how to mow the lawn and do minor repairs.

This does not mean my son doesn't have the typical "boy toys," as he loves his tool bench and his trucks. But I will have the peace of mind knowing he won't be hungry or eating just junk food and that he will not live in filth. As parents, it is our privilege to teach these little people how to survive without us, but how can we do this job without the proper tools?