Preparing For Another Person

[topazg]

...Why do parents in a modern society want to know the gender in advance? ...

In our case, we wanted to know the gender in order to purchase clothing in advance. If I'm going to buy things for my son before his birth, I want to avoid buying too many skirts, for example.

When you let the gender affect what you buy you are a part of the brainwashing of the child into a stereotype. IMHO it would make more sense to learn to know the child first, and then chose a strategy for his/her/its upbringing that accentuates the potentialities within the individual personality of the child.

I'll be honest, I do kinda agree with this rather a lot. It's funny how boys seem to end up being boys without peer influence or parental pushing though :S

[Kirby]

...

When you let the gender affect what you buy you are a part of the brainwashing of the child into a stereotype. IMHO it would make more sense to learn to know the child first, and then chose a strategy for his/her/its upbringing that accentuates the potentialities within the individual personality of the child.

Somehow, I have no moral objections to purchasing clothes for my child before he is born. I do not feel that I am trying to brainwash him by doing so. :-p

When he is old enough to get a job, he can buy his own clothes. Until then, I will have a say in what I buy for him.

I would suspect that anything that I do for my child could be interpreted as a form of "brainwashing".

---

The child is still developing. In fact, we continue to develop throughout all of our lives, but it's probably most evident at a young age.

I believe that a child has its own unique personality, but I also believe that the child is growing and adapting each day.

Because of this phenomena, I don't think it is possible to completely get to "know the child" first - at least not completely - because it is continually growing, changing, and adapting.

I am sure that we will need to make adjustments and learn about who the child is. But it goes both ways. The kid is growing, too. We are the kids parents. We will grow and get to know one another gradually.

Before that process starts, though, I still plan on buying my son some clothes, lest he be nude (but at least not brainwashed) until he is an adult (or older).

[jts]

...Why do parents in a modern society want to know the gender in advance? ...

In our case, we wanted to know the gender in order to purchase clothing in advance. If I'm going to buy things for my son before his birth, I want to avoid buying too many skirts, for example.

When you let the gender affect what you buy you are a part of the brainwashing of the child into a stereotype. IMHO it would make more sense to learn to know the child first, and then chose a strategy for his/her/its upbringing that accentuates the potentialities within the individual personality of the child.

... what? I thought the whole point of having a kid was to brainwashgently mold him (or her {or it}) into a stereotype. Why are you trying to ruin everyone's fun?

[mohsart]

I like to know the gender so that I can buy a boy loads of pink skirts and dresses and a girl some cool superhero outfits!
While the above actually is partially true, topazg is more spot on: All information is exciting :-)

/Mats
PS The reason for it not being 100% certain is that the nurse didn't see a penis which indicates that it's a girl, but it could also be because she just didn't see it

[topazg]

While the above actually is partially true, topazg is more spot on: All information is exciting

I have too many already, but it never stopped being awesomely exciting

[Kirby]

...

So you will respect money but not your child....

Interesting (mis)interpretation, but no. I will parent my child. This is not a purely passive role as you appear to suggest.

If I did not respect my child, I would let him do whatever he wanted, and would not provide any input to his life.

It is because of respect and love that I care.

[Psychee]

Congratulations, Kirby!

[speedchase]

IMHO it would make more sense to learn to know the child first, and then chose a strategy for his/her/its upbringing that accentuates the potentialities within the individual personality of the child.

Just out of curiosity what do you propose this child wears until she is old enough to have a personality definitive enough to be considered in fashion advice?

[balistic]

Just out of curiosity what do you propose this child wears until she is old enough to have a personality definitive enough to be considered in fashion advice?

If i ever have children, god help them.

[daal]

Congratulations, Kirby!

Um ... Where are the cigars?

[Psychee]

Congratulations, Kirby!

Um ... Where are the cigars?

cigars?

[SoDesuNe]

Once upon a time where suits were your daily outfit, where kids showed some respect and didn't wear training suits when going outside, where every man was ought to carry some nice hat and shoes, a guy who was about to become a father went out with his mates and celebrated with good cigars and some real drinks.

[Kirby]

Well, in the event that anyone was curious, my son was born a little over a week ago.

[tj86430]

My sincerest congratulations!

[ez4u]

Congratulations and welcome back!