Play Kitchen for a Boy???

I don't see anything wrond with a boy playing with that. My son is now 5 and he always played with my daughter when she had one when she was younger. Have fun and get him one.

I know I may be a little late with this advice but I have a 3 year old boy. He also loves to play with the kitchen set at daycare. But I think he likes it so much because it is something he doesn't get to play with at home. He sees us in the kitchen with the pots and pans and all of that stuff and he wants to do it to. I think it is perfectly fine for boys to play with "girl-said" toys. I had the same reaction from my husband and he made a good point. If we were to get him a kitchen set for at home, he'd loose interest in the one that was at daycare. He has many other things at home to keep him occupied so not getting one was nice to know he always had the one at daycare to enjoy. C.

My boys loved kitchen sets too! I think all kids do! We ended up getting them a tool box....and they put dishes in there. (Made daddy happy!)

Hi J., How would your mom love to have a grandson who's a world-class chef?! What do they think...it'll make him gay? Pish-posh (my brother played Barbies with me and he's your typical F-15 fighter pilot jock). I can also say this because I have 3 small boys and one of them LOVES playing "kitchen", too. He has a really small sesame street kitchen, but I want to get him a bigger one that he can stand and play at. I want my boys to be able to take care of themselves before they leave my house, and being able to cook a meal for themselves (not just know how to toast bread and use the microwave)is a skill I think is important to have - also helps make them more desireable as a future spouse! Kids learn a lot from play and at his age, he's probably learning skills like taking turns, serving others, and being independent. Talk to your pediatrician about the skills he may be learning from this and use that as "ammo" if you're wanting to get him a kitchen! Good Luck!

Hello,
my son is 3 1/2 and has had his kitchen for over a year. He loves it and loves cooking for any one that comes over. It doesn't make him less of a boy. He still loves cars, trains, and playing cowboy. It's great to have a kitchen for when girls are over to play. I figure I'm raising someone's future husband here and don't we all love a man that cooks and cleans. My soon to be ex-husband was absolutetly irrepairably spoiled by his mother who did all of his laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. I want my son to be a husband that we all dream of having. I'm praying that having a kitchen and making him help out (yes he cleans and vacuums at 3) will dramatically increase my odds at marrying him off to a great gal who will give me lots of grandchildren.

Tell them to get a life. Role playing and imaginary playing is good for children. It's not going to make them gay to play with a kitchen, have a baby doll or even take dance classes. My son loves his, cooks me meals, pretends to do dishes. We got one of the little tikes ones that makes sounds when they are cooking. The only men that are concerned about their boys playing with kitchens are the ones that are not completely secure of themselves.
C.

Why the hell not? Men cook - doesn't mean they are gay or less manly!

THey are completly wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Men and women cook. It's okay if he has a doll too because boys grow up to be daddies!! My 5 yr old plays house with his sister all the time with the kitchen and dolls and he is one of the roughest, toughest little boys I know. This is play that mimics real life, not some girly, sissy thing that might make him "gay". I've heard it all before. Don't let narrow minded people set the limits for your son.

My first thought was- are they serious!!!!
I believe (and have been in classes where we have been told (uwm- sociology and psychology!)) that it is healthy for all boys to play with kitchens, babies, doll houses, dress up clothes, purses- WHO CARES!! They need to learn to be gentle, there is no evidence that he will be gay if that is what they are worried about! AND he's having fun! Why are gender roles so important?! More importantly why are we forcing our children into the stereotypical gender roles. If my son is a fabulous chef who helps me around the house when he's a teen I will be thrilled!
More down to earth- it's completely normal- just about all day care centers have them along with dolls etc. and if your son likes it I think it is a great gift. My 20 mo old has played with it since I can remember and it is a favorite toy of the 6yr old I watch after school. It will grow with him- you can spice it up if he gets bored with new pots or food or gadgets.
Good Luck

I couldn't help it, but I had to let my husband answer this one... T.

The vast majority of culinary professionals are men. If your husband thinks it's woman's work tell him to go stand in a 115 degree restaurant kitchen and cook to order 200 dinners in a few hours. This will have to be done in a safe and sanitary way. It will have to be done with limited resources. It will have to be done profitably and it will have to be done better or cheaper than the place down the street if the restaurant is going to stay open. You may also want to let him know that they've discovered that the Earth isn't flat and the moon isn't made of cheese. Get your son the kitchen set and some play-doh and when he's old enough get Ratatouille (Pixar movie). The culinary craft is incomprehensible for large segments of our society these days, and embraced enthusiastically by others. The profession is brutal at times, but also rewarding. I told my mom I wanted to be a chef when I was five. Thirty years later I am. Chris

As a (licensed and degreed!) preschool teacher, I hear this type of thing all the time. My response? This is an activity where ALL children learn cooperation, use language skills, verbalize ideas and conce;ts, understand emotions, communicate with others, obseve others, use fine and gross motor muscles, understand the feeling of others, and act out real life situations. As a mother and wife, my response is "where else will he learn to be a good daddy and husband if not by playing with babies and toy food"! We just got our daughter a kitchen for x-mas. It is a nice pink, blue and yellow pastel set...that should really set your husband off! You do what you know is right!

You can get ones that aren't girly, look at the cool new ones that are like grills!!

I think it's a great idea to get him a kitchen set. I wouldn't hesitate to get one for my son, who is close to your son's age. In fact, what's wrong with encouraging a boy to play with kitchen items? It's 2007 - surely we're beyond thinking cooking is only for women??? :)

Actually, I know that it is very good for boys to play with kitchen sets, dolls, etc. I have a clint who is a child psychologist and I asked her about my three year old because he loves high heels, purses, headbands, you name it! He even has a pink bike that is a hand me down. She said let him do it and be as creative as he wants. It is a sign of intelligence and is perfectly normal. And for 17 months old, that is not old enough to make a judgement about anything. He is just creative! Does he still like his cars, trucks, etc? If so, that will be a relief to your husband and tell him not to be mortified.

T.

My son is 11 and he had it all- the whole kitchen set and he loved it. I think you should go for it! My son is just great today- it didnt hurt him at all- :)

I have 2 sons 9, and 2 and one daughter 3. My oldest loves to cook. he had a kitchen. We just recently got a new one for our younger 2. There are many kitchen sets that are more boyish. And for those who are appalled you can just remind them of some famous male Chefs: Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay, and Tyler Florence.

The thing is your son also probably plays with beby dolls, stroller and other so called "GIRL" toys while at you sitter. I know my husband would more than likely give me the same reaction, but is not like your trying to put your son in dress and pigtails. I just go out and buy one. You may consider simply going to local consignment shop or second hand store and pickup a kitchen set. Often times you can find gentle used items such as this at a reasonable price.

I just had our 2nd son 3 months ago, while pregnant with him, I told my husband I wanted to get our 2 1/2 yr old son a baby doll. He, like yours, was outragged. I got him one regardless. I told my husband if we had a girl, would he tell her she wasn't allowed to play with trucks/cars, tools, or other 'boy' toys? A girl/boy toy isn't going to make the child gay. If anything a play kitchen may help encourage your son to want to cook when he gets older, which will make him an even better 'catch'. Best of luck!

I don't see a problem getting him some fake kitchen toys. However, from my experience, they don't want the fake ones..they want to use your kitchen pans, etc. I would just let him play on the kitchen floor with yours. Honestly they like to put anything in drawers or boxes so show him how to put his blocks in drawers or boxes. It's all the same to them.

Have fun!

My kid has had his for 2 years, and it's one of the best toys we have. We got a great one that is brown and burgundy online thru Toys R Us. He loves it as much as he loves his dinosaurs and cars, that's for sure.

As other have said, most of the world's chefs are men (seen Ratatouille?). Watch Anthony Bourdain sometime...he's about as rough and tumble as they get. Anyone who has a problem with with boys in the kitchen has a larger problem with their own ideas of sexuality than the kid ever will. Follow your instincts, J.. You are being a good mom.

while most kitchen sets are made for girls, there are some that are either unisex or actually made for the little chef boys out there as well. i have a friend who got one at target, blue & green colors, not pink! they also have some at specialty toy shops or ikea even. i believe i've seen nice wooden ones as well, that you can paint yourself, but they tend to be a bit pricier. again, the 'boy' colored sets are harder to find, but all it takes is more research to get one.
in my opinion, don't let others determine what you want to get for your child. if you want to encourage his 'chef' side, by all means, do it!

I'm merely a mom-to-be, but it seems to me your son has found something he likes. Why not facilitate his play with toys that interest him? I doubt that any long-term psychological damage could occur from a boy playing in the kitchen. No worse than a girl playing with Matchbox cars. (I did!) At worst, he learns his way around a kitchen (which is future wife will appreciate). At best, he becomes an internationally renowned chef with his own show on the Food Network. :)

Heck yes a play kitchen for a boy! My son in 18 mos. and we thought of getting him one for Christmas. We didn't because his room's packed but he loves the one at his new day care. He likes doing what I do and having his own space to open and shut doors and turn knobs is great! He helps me unload the dishwasher at home. Truth be told my husband is probably a better cook than I am!!

I have three sons, 14, 12, & 2. My oldest two played with traditionally girl toys as well as boy toys. Nothin' to freak out about!!! My sons are 'societally normal', in fact, jocks & popular, although my 12 year old LOVES to cook. Will serve him well some day! They have this one kitchen that is a kitchen on one side, a grill on the other. I am thinking of getting that for my son, as I sold my other kitchens when I closed my daycare before moving up here. My daycare kids ALL played with the kitchen. It won't 'turn' a kid effeminate.

Hi there, I am a 34 yr old working mom and I have a 2 1/2 yr old son that is getting a play kitchen for Christmas from my mother. I think it is great! My husband has no problem with it either. I think it is good to get your kids involved with all aspects of life and not be too gender specific.

I have one boy of my own and I watch 3 other boys and they all play with my kitchen set in my home daycare! My one little one loves the shopping cart and the other loves the play vaccuum! I don't see what is wrong with it?

You should buy him one if he wants to play with it. We have one at our house that's in our daughter's room, but all three of our boys have loved playing with it over the years. It's a great play thing for all kids.

Tell your mom and husband where to stick it! This isn't the 1950's! We have a kitchen set and my boys (6 an 4) are equally comfortable playing house as they are playing trucks. Neither one of them are ultra feminine- they are all boy! LOL Wouldn't it be nice to have a son who grows up loving to cook and feels comfortable in the kitchen? Your future daughter-in-law will thank you!

I do not see anything wrong with a boy playing with a kitchen and useing their imagenation on cooking different things. They love it and think it is neat i have a four year old boy that loves to bring me things that he pretends to cook and besides kitchens are not just for girls or women, Men also like to cook to.

I have a 2 1/2 year old boy. He plays with the play food and kitchen set at his sitter's house. He is the only one he watches and he loves to play kitchen. I did buy him a kitchen set at Fleet Farm for only $26 so if he doesn't like it much after he gets it, I'm not out tons of money. I chose the cheaper one over the $259.00. I would see no reason why you couldn't get your son one. I've told people and my husband and they have no problem with it. Good luck.

I say there is absolutely nothing wrong with a boy playing with a toy kitchen. My son had a doll when he was 1 1/2 and 2 yrs old (actually, he still has it at 6). It doesn't make them out to be wusses or girlie boys. It helps them with skills that they'll be using later on in life. If I had the money to get my son a kitchen, I would've. It's only girly if the kitchen has all pink stuff. They make them now that are pretty much unisex. I think it's a GREAT idea!

That's ridiculous! Besides, what he likes is (as you said) the drawers, cabinets, etc. to hide toys in. It has nothing to do with the 'gender' of the toy. If it's that big of deal, buy him a little workshop with the same type of cabinets and stuff. That way daddy and grandma can't complain.
~L.

Absolutely nothing wrong with it. My sons are 4 and 7 they started playing with one at the doctors office and asked for one. I could not afford the kitchen set but I got them the food,plates and pots and pans. They just love it. Plus their dad cooks so why is there something wrong with them acting like they are cooking. Just a thought. Hope it helps

omg, my now 15 y/o son loved the kitchen toys and played with them so much we got one too
He even "cooked" and " served" his little siser
They played wiwth that thing for years and for just as many years got kitchen stuff for christmas birthdays, easter, etc
My hubby , who is normally all macho, got a kick out of watching them with it too and was glad they bonded in the kitchen!
I say, go for it, it wont cause any harm
hugs,mary57750
So.Dakota

Since when is cooking something only girls do? My uncle just finished a couple of years in culinary school and was a chef at a fancy resort. He is a very masculine, kind of scary-looking giant bear of a man. I don't see a toy kitchen as a girl toy at all. And like everyone else said, cooking and cleaning are skills everyone needs to learn, whether they are a boy or girl. My husband does dishes all the time.

I gave a toy kitchen to my 1 year old granddaughter and she loves it but, her brother who is 3 1/2 has more fun with it then her. If these little boys learn at a early age to cook, they with make some girl very happy when they get married some day.

Any famous chef would be appalled to think they are not masculine because they cook.
Your son is at that wonderful age of exploring. He is undoubtably interested in the wonderful sounds the objects make and his amazing ability to manipulate them where he would like. At this tender age I think it's more about exploring fun ideas.
Your daycare provider has a special unique toy that he does not have at home and I wonder if placing one in your home as well will make playing with it less special. The reason I say this is because I recall how much fun it was to play with the toys at my grandparent's house because they were only at my grandparent's house.
My suggestion would be to find a fun new toy he may like that he can only play at your house. It makes being at the sitter's house unique and being at home unique.

My son had one. I think that kitchen sets have come along way to being accessible to all kids. They are a lot of them that are nuetral colors. And if boys weren't supposed to be in the kitchen, why is that most of the chefs are food network are men?

I say get the boy a kitchen! My son LOVES his and plays with it almost daily. He is 3 1/2 and got it for his 2nd birthday. Now that he has a little sister, they both play with it. He is always cooking us things, bringing us "coffee" to drink, etc. My husband has always cooked (up until recently he did the majority of the cooking in our home) so it's no big deal for our household. Although we also didn't even flinch when our son went through a "pink" stage where he LOVED everything pink and only wanted to use the pink cup, plate, etc.

Maybe you could remind your husband and mom about all the male chefs, etc. The Food Network is full of them! Good luck!

There are many sexually neutral kitchen sets out there. And there is nothing wrong with a boy wanting to pretend to cook. It shocks me that they would be appalled, in this day and age when so many people are sharing household duties.

Play sets help with hand-eye coordination and cause and effect, as well as preparing him for organizational skill and just plain boosting the imagination. I say "Go for it" and watch your son enjoy his new toy!

I just bought a huge kitchen set for my 6 1/2 year old son this Christmas. He loves playing "house" and things like that. His number one request this year was a toy vacuum. It's perfectly healthy for both boys and girls to play with toys like this. If you look at the advertisements, there are both girls AND boys in them. If he enjoys it, buy it for him.

My son loves the play kitchen at daycare too...he's 16 months old, and the other older boys play with it too. I guess if you're about being gender neutral with your son, then he should have a kitchen. I haven't looked to see, but they should make some that aren't pink. :-)

J.,
I think that people get so wrapped up in "girl" vs "boy" items it is crazy. Think about it... it starts from day one by using pink or blue to show off the sex of the baby??? Anyway, what I find appalling is people pushing societal views on what is acceptable for a boy or a girl to play with. The important thing is that he is happy and showing interest in activities. I say... go for it! :)

Personally, I feel that you should buy whatever toy appeals to your son right now. Most of the world's best chefs are men. Besides I think the gender race, or whatever is outdated. I played with "Boy" toys all the time when I was growing up and nothing is wrong with me. I am a full blooded woman to the core. It won't hurt him. Happy Holidays!!!!

How do you know that he won't grow up to be a chef? A kitchen set (in this day and age) seems to have no gender! It would seem to be that as he gets older and is able to help you out in the "real" kitchen, that those skills would be a desirable trait for the future.

J.

Ha, kind of funny. I am going through the same thing.... My son is going to be 2 in Jan. My son LOVES playing with pots and pans and everything else in the kitchen. He loves watching me cook and wants to help.
I mentioned getting him a play kitchen for Christmas to my husband. He was less than thrilled. I bought it anyway a few weeks ago. My husband and I have since talked about it more, and he does now realize it is fine. He realizes our son wathces what both of us do, and likes to do the same things.
He also has a tool set and chain saw and tons of trucks he also loves to play with.
The kitchen set I bought isn't pink, so it is fine, and I know my son is going to have a blast!!!!

Hi J.,
I have a little boy who is almost 5 & he enjoys playing with kitchen sets too. We bought him one that was blue & gray rather than the usual pink or yellow. I know Target has a few available in boyish colors. We bought blue & red dishes so it isn't like he's sitting around having tea parties with pretty pink floral plates. But, I don't see anything wrong with that either.

I was under the impression that children as young as yours don't understand "girl" vs "boy" toys. And, many great chefs are male! When your son gets older he might want to help you in the kitchen. I consider that lucky!

T.

Hi J.,
I don't see why it mattes. I have all girls but we still buy boy toys for them as well. Last year I got my (then) 2 1/2 year old a tool box and stuff because she likes to help her Papa work outside and all of that. Her cousin comes over and plays with her kitchen set as well. Most people do think that kitchens are for girls because women do the cooking and cleaning, but that's no so much these days. Times have changed and boys/men cook and clean now too and why not let me explore cooking? You never now it might start with a play kitchen and he might be helping you cook a few years down the road. They also have a kitchen by little tikes that is an indoor/outdoor one, it has a kitchen on one side and a grill on the other side. We have one that talks and knows what you are cooking. All of our kids like it from 8 to a year, plus boy cousins come over and play with it too. If your son likes it then theres no reason why not to get it for him. I would, but then we are a cooking family, everyone in our house cooks :o)
Good Luck!
S.

I have two boys. A 6yr old and a 3rd old. Both have played with kitchen sets. We do not have one at our house, so they will play with things that they do not have. It is new to them. I would not worry. I thnk it is great for kids, I mean both my boys love to help me in the kitchen. It teaches them how to take care of themselves when they leave the house. Besides I wish my husband knew how to cook! LOL

They are being ridiculious! How many famous chefs do you see that are men? Them cooking as a bachelor? is that girlie? Maybe they should never cook and always eat out or go home to eat because they can't cook... Help them see the light! My boys ages 3 years and 20 months play with our little kitchen and like to pretend cook. It would be saying that a girl can't play with cars because they are only for boys. Or they can't play like they are building something because that is for boys! Does your husband cook or warm things up in a microwave? Does he 'dare' get into the drawer *gasp*. ;) Sorry for the sarcasm I just think they are not being realistic and your boy will have a ton of fun.

My son is 14 mos. old and also loves kitchen sets. I plan on getting him one. They have many kitchen sets out now and they are not all pink with flowers on them the one I am getting my son is at walmart and it tan and green not a little girl color in fact a boy is on the box. Also, you might want to mention to your husband/mother most chefs in the world today are men.. Hope this helps...

J.-
When I first read this I thought, "Are these people living in 2007 or in 1957?" My response is, see the following 30 responses and you should have your answer.

D.

P.S. If we were to tell girls that they couldn't play with cars, crafting tools, or be involved in "boys" sports, we would be accused of being sexist. What's the difference?

Hi J.,
My son loves our play kitchen as well as the typical "boy" toys. I'm sure that famous male chefs don't think that kitchens are for girls. Who know maybe your son will be inspired ;-) I say go for it. It will be great for his imagination and he may want to help out in YOUR kitchen as he grows older. That is always a plus! Discovery Toys has a play stove(Magic Talkin' Kitchen Crew) that is definitely not pink and frilly and is lots of fun. Check it out at www.discovertoyslink.com/dawnwood. There is also a book called William's Doll that you may be able to find at your library. Mainly it demonstrates that boys can be nurturing as well.
~D.

There isn't anything wrong with a kitchen set for your son, he's too young to do lots of things with you in your own kitchen and yet maybe that's what you should try. Get him some play pots and pans and give him his own spot to store them, if possible, and let him play while you're cooking dinner. Children need to be encouraged in what they like, remember to include him in the kitchen with you, he may become a great chef someday.
Just my thoughts, M. L

Some of the best cooks are males. It is perfectly fine. your husband and mom sound like if they are living in the old days. this will not make him any less of a man when he getts older. it will make him better for it. you don't mind him playing in a kitchen then get it. good luck

Most chefs are men!!!!
My family freaked out when I wanted to get my twins baby dolls for their birthday a few years ago. But I want to raise good fathers and men that can cook and help in the kitchen. Your husband and mom might have old thinking like my family, but explaining to them about what kind of man you want your son to become might help.

I love when people react that way when a toddler wants to play with something like a kitchen set! I just laugh, because we all know that it's just a toy. It will have no bearing on their sexuality and it is no reflection on their "masculinity." It's just a new, fun toy.

My husband has been cringing because we recently got a hand-me-down dollhouse for our 10 month old daughter, but our 3 yr old son loves it just as much. In fact, he announces to whoever walks through our door, "Look at my dollhouse!" It cracks me up every time. Another time we were at a friend's house, and our son spent the whole time playing in her daughter's pink Little Tikes fort in the yard, emerging every once in a while to serve all of us some tea!

Look at how many professional chefs are men! Why should playing with a kitchen set be a girl's toy? Your mom and husband will get over it. :) Have a great Thanksgiving and I hope your son enjoys his new toy!

A.

I have a 5 and 3 year old. My husband is the cook in or family - he is a creative, more gourmet style, cook than I could ever dream of being. My son was imitating him as soon as he could hold a wooden knife. His favorite thing besides building was cooking. Nicholas and Claire still equally love the kitchen we have. We intentionally got one that was not pink. Ours is a Kidcraft bright primary color wooden kitchen.Very well made (takes forever to put together). They also make a blue more gourmet style kitchen - very boy. Good luck! We definitely think is a both gender activity! Maybe your son can teach your husband to cook!

I think it is a great idea!!!! My sister has a little boy neighbor that has a play kitchen and he loves it!!! You may also wnat to remind them of famous chefs like Emril Lagass who by the way is a multi-millionair and just look at the food channel and how many of the chefs on there are male and making millions hummmmm maybe not such a bad idea after all eh..... My son loves to help me in the kitchen so does my husband and it just gives them a greater appreciation of what use to be the woman's job is now becoming a family chore and apprecition of what food is and what goes in our bodies. I think your right on and let your son be himself!!!! Good luck!!!!!!!

Hmmm.....I'd ask your husband's mother if he used to play with her pots and pans on the kitchen floor while she cooked. I don't see that there is any difference between that and a toddler kitchen except size, and we ALL know that size doesn't matter.

Is it possible that what he enjoys about this kind of play is the satisfaction he gets from merely putting things in the right place, rather than the actual kitchen setting? If so, maybe you could get him a little work bench with the plastic tools that have holders for each specific tool. I am old school so do believe in "girl toys" and "boy toys" so would try the above mentioned toys first. Merry Christmas :-)

I have worked in many restraunt kitchens. I am usually the only girl!!! The kitchen can be an intense, and dangerous place. Your husband and mom are probably picturing the pink easy bake ovens from back in the day. Today, they have heavy duty ones that are boy tough, and sturdy. I saw one at Target the other day next to a play workbench. My husband insisted our 17mo. old get the workbench. I admit, I was hopeing for the kitchen, but she helped us put our pantry together yesterday, and she had lots of fun. Just tune in to Bobby Flay, on the food network when your husband is home, I assure you Cooking can be very manly. :) It's funny, because a co-worker of mine wasn't sure about getting her son a kitchen either, but she ended up doing it. Also, my friend has twin boys, and they took their kitchen outside and made worm pie!

I just bought the smart kitchen set for my nephew per my sisters request and My own children who are boys 9, and 11 love to come in the kitchen with me and help me cook. I think its great, most of the worlds best chefs are men.

I think that your husband and mom are completely ridiculous and sexist! Doesn't your husband ever cook or do the dishes...hello it's just a toy! My son loves his kitchen...and he likes to help me and my husband in our real kitchen. I got him a cheap on at JC Penney in case he wasn't that into it, but he loves it! Go for it...surprise everyone with at Christmas and tell your mom and husband to open their minds.

Are ya kidding me? I am appalled that they were appalled and would say "those are for GIRLS". :) Why do we have to put a label on what children that young play with? Getting a 17 month old a kitchen set for Christmas is not going to "define" his sexual preference. Are they basically saying that a "womans place is in the kitchen"? If your son would love the kitchen set, make your son happy. It will most likely be a phase and NOT influence him to be an interior decorator, wear pink and and speak with the stereotypical "lisp". You may also use the argument, what's wrong with a man cooking? I loved the 3 times my husband and I cooked together.....it was romantic. We've been married 10 years....I wish he would do it more and who's to say that if he would have had a kitchen set when he was younger, he would. Just kidding. But seriously. people need to get over their issues of "what boys do" and "what girls do."

Maybe it could be approached that you are encouraging your son to be a manly future romantic....and encourage your husband to cook with you, in the kitchen.

J. B

I have a two year old boy and he as well likes to play with the kitchen sets at the doctors offices. I say buy it for him! I got my son a kitchen last year for christmas, I was so upset that there were so many small pieces in it I had to return it. If I had the space for it in my new apartment I would get him another one! Even with all of the guys in my family telling me not to! K. k

Holy Cow! i don't think i have seen this many responses for any post..lol lol
you get the kitchen , the pots and pans,doll, play cleaning items.. and raise a well balanced boy/male who knows how to take care of himself and will have an open mind to other genders and their abilities.
you're a good mom.. stick with your gut feeling..

well i am not sure what your husband and mom are thinking it is just fine to have a kitchen for a little boy they need to pretened and cook they should just let him be.get him his kitchen he will love it they will get over it

What is the problem here? Boy's don't cook? More men are Chef's than women!!

It doesn't need to be pink if Dad has a problem with that. I am sure you can find one with neutral colors.

You go for it Mom. He will have such fun. M. B

Hi J.,

I see nothing at all appalling about it - it's just another thing for your little busy-body to explore, and kitchen sets have so many things to get into, it should be a given that it's a favorite! :) Maybe there's also something to the fact that the *real* kitchen is filled with tons of things that are off-limits, and with the toy set, he can get into anything he wants....

My 18-mo old also loves the kitchen set at his sitter's (and in fact, she's only watching boys right now - and she says the kitchen set is always being played with.) We even picked one up for home as well. He especially loves using the "microwave" - we have to check it each night in case he left his sippy cup of milk in there!

That doesn't really help you with your husband & your mom's outlook, though...but fear not - kitchen aren't really gender-specific these days! But perhaps you can find one for Christmas that might look more like a 'bachelor pad' kitchen? :) Good luck!

Wow! You've got alot of responses to you question!! I will keep it simple and just say that I worked at a daycare for two years and this is very healthy and fine for a little boy to do!! And many of them love to!! You should always be open to your child's imagination and creativeness!! Besides, they have more "boyish" looking sets anyways!!! I think you should get him one!!!!!!!

I agree men cook too. Besides he's probably also working on other skills sets such as sorting, classifying, etc.

There are grill sets (outside kitchens) if that makes it better.

J.,

Our 5 year old son got a kitchen set from his Grandparent's for Christmas and it was the best gift he got. He plays with it constantly. We have another son who will be 13 in March and he has been planning on attending Culinary School upon graduating high school since he could walk! He loves to cook. Some people just need to realize that we are in a much more metro-sexual society then what we grew up in.

Get your boy the kitchen set! We live in Wilder as well. I'd love to meet you.

Hugs,

C.

Boys and girls both need to grow up and learn about healthy eating, and how to prepare food. Children learn through play. Beats a violent video game if you ask me.

Hi J.,
I think that your husband and your mom are being silly. I have 2 boys (4 and 22 months). For a birthday their grandparents got them a kitchen. They play with it a lot. Sometimes they are a little destructive with it (they like to tip it over and use it as a slide) but have fun with it. My husband is a chef and does a lot of the cooking at home so I think it is a little sexist of them to say it is for girls. Go for it and get him a kitchen.
Chris

It is perfectly normal for a boy to want to play "kitchen". It is part of being creative. For your mom and husband to be so against him playing with a kitchen set is sexist. Are they appalled when men do the dishes or make a sandwich? Let your son play kitchen to his hearts content and as he is growing he will not view the things that YOU do as "women's work". You are a great mom!

My grandson loves to play with the kitchen stuff as well.. I look at it as him using his imagination and what better thing is that!

If they really fight you on it.. i know that I've seen a little one for boys that is like a mechanics part on one side and turn it around and it is a grill and outside on the other

D.
www.athome.com/DebbnKen

I am the mother of three(boy, girl, boy). My oldest boy was very much into the kitchen at his daycare, but my husband was not excited about the idea of getting him one for x-mas. I ended up finding one at FleetFarm for about $35.00 and it was not too femine. It is red, green, blue and yellow. I felt better that it wasn't pink and it didn't cost $200.00. Amazingly it has lasted through all of my kids and neither of my sons seem to have gender confusion. You can always get him a tool bench to sit next to it. I say if it makes him happy, it can't be that bad. Merry Christmas!

There is no reason to be appalled. My son also loves to play in his (and his sister's) play kitchen. Imaginative play is healthy and usually involves children doing those things they see us do.

Your son, no doubt, sees that the adults he admires preparing food in the kitchen. Even if we had only had one son I am sure I would have bought him a play kitchen just because it seems like such a popular item for toddlers. (It turns out that since we have fraternal twins we buy lots of items in twos: fire trucks, baby dolls, etc.) Don't let others confine your son's sense of adventure with silly gender stereotypes. Children of different sexes may play with the same item a bit differently but there is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with them playing with items that some might deem appropriate for only only one sex. And besides, make sure you point out that everyone spends time doing some work in the kitchen even,-- most likely-- your husband. That doesn't make him any less masculine than anyone else.

Maybe you should have your mom talk to Emeril,
Sorry, that buggs me, probably because I have the same problem with my mom, My son is 12 years old and its a requirement for him to take cooking class in Jr. High. Hummmmm, wonder why its not just a girl class.
OK, I'm done being sarcastic.
I say nurture your sons creativity and stay away from lables and guilt. This world has changed so much, which I think its changed in the lines that its more accepting for a woman to do a mans job and a man to do a womans job, that is so discriminating to lable cooking for women. AND they make kitchen sets that are for boys, you dont have to buy him pink and frilly.
Your a good mom, I love that you didnt even think twice about giving what your child loves. Accepting him for exactly who he is. Thats one of the hardest parts of being a parent is realizing we do not design our kids, we discover them. (or dis-cover thier talents and passions)
GL.

Are real kitchens only for girls to use?

Hi J.~

I too had this issue come up and yes SANTA brought a kitchen set for out 23mo son!! my husband agreed to get a gender netural one of course ( one with a boy pictured on the box) but he loves it and the imaginitive play is so good for them and who knows he could be the next emeril ect....
hope this helps.

J.- Boys learn so much from play kitchen...it does not make them girly! They learn social skills, they learn fine motor skills, they learn problem solving, and most important...they learn to be a good self sufficiant husband/father.
Girls can play with trucks and boys can play with dolls-
Toys are toys and they only learn to seperate because of our society. If I still haven't convinced you-perhaps you could try a workbench -fisherprice makes a cute one.
Good luck! H.

WOW. that's amazing. i'm sure you've gotten great response to this one!

what continent are your husband & his mom living on... and in which decade for that matter?!! (no insult intended toward either of them)

my son loves to help me in our kitchen, loves to play trucks, ninjas, push a stuffed monkey in a baby stroller, build blocks, dress up like his favorite super heroes… etc. it’s all normal and natural. he's 2 & a half.

anything that can help a child develop a his or her dexterity which leads to finer coordination proficiency (necessary in sports for example) and organizational skills which is essential in categorizing which eventually leads into strong math & reading abilities is A-OKAY with me and would be with any parent who actually wants his or her son or daughter to succeed in society.

besides that… so what if your toddler wants to play kitchen. what’s the problem with that?

i would love to hear what happened! if you didn't get the kitchen set for christmas because of pressure from your family... maybe your hubby could pick up any child develpment book & take a glance. and maybe your mom-in-law could leave the child rearin' to the actual parents.

peace & good luck!

I had one for my son when he was little. I don't see any problem w/ your son having a play kitchen. I found a boyish one at Toys R Us. You could probably find a cheaper one at a Wal-mart or something. Good Luck!!

C.

My boys love playing "kitchen" as well. So I bought them a Spongebob grill for Christmas and went to ToyRUs and bought a set of plastic dishes. They also have McDonalds, Pizza Hut etc, playsets! GO FOR IT!

I think it is a great idea myself. I played with one as a child, and I love to cook. I am a 39 year old male, and cooking is my favrorite thing. Your son may grow up wanting to learn how to be a chef. There are little boys who play with Barbies, it does not mean he will grow up gay. Most men are pretty insecure about masculinity when it comes to a boy wanting to do things girls normally do. Growing up, I played Barbies with my sisters, I used the Easy Bake oven they got and never used, I played grocery with them as well. But I am a grown man who cooks, cleans, loves flowers, and actually I love shopping and garage sales, lol! I am straight as straight can be, but I am able to enjoy the same things as my girlfriend. Although she enjoys some sports, I cannot stand sports, it bores the heck out of me, I would rather ski, or go for a ride or something. Anyways, back to the question, let your son do whatever he wants to do, do not let anyone shelter him, he may find things that he likes to do, that are not forced on him. I just remember growing up, girls had to do certain things, and boys had to do certain things. But now times have changed and we can do what we want now. so do not be afraid to let your son be who he wants, right now is the impressionable age for him. Hope this helps!!!

Are you husband and mom living in the dark ages? Who is going to cook for your son when he goes off to college? This should not be about assigning neanderthal gender roles!!! Your son is curious and is exploring the world around him. All the skills your day care provider mentioned are hugely important ones. Let the boy play!

Once upon a time we lived in a world with very clear cut roles for men and women. And I can see why "older" persons might struggle to accept that today the roles are less clearly defined and often non existant. Today most parents are more concerned about raising(emotionally)healthy children who are well rounded than they are with raising manly men and girly girls.

My oldest son is 15. When he was three turning four the only thing he wanted for his birthday was the gymnastics Barbie. We had watched alot of the Olympics that summer and he loved to watch the male and female gymnists. My husband worried that it was a girl toy and refused to buy it for him. However I have a wise father-in-law who went ahead and bought it. My son loved the toy and played with it for more than a year.

Today he plays football, runs track, and yes...likes girls. The "girl toy" didn't hurt his manhood any. And to have a son, or husband, who can find his way around a kitchen is no shame. I love it when my hubby spends time in the kitchen.

I hope your family comes around. Little ones practice what they see others do. He loves you and is imitating family life. Its part of his way of making sense of his world and finding his place in it. Good luck! Love and Prayers, ~C.

GO GOR IT!!! My almost four year old still loves to have tea parties. He is all boy as far as what and how he plays with toys and wrestles with Dada. It is great for his imagination!!
Good Luck!!

You absolutely can get a playset for a boy. My son loved to play with a kitchen also. I picked one up for him at a garage sale (partly because he was a boy). I had a girl shortly thereafter so I had a good excuse:) Some people might think it's wierd, but it's just pretend play. It's no different than him acting like a fireman or playing with a cash register. He's just emulating what he sees:)

Go for it! My son had one at about the same age. You don't have to spend a lot of money on one, something small will probably be fine with him. My son is "all boy", dirt, cars, trucks, etc. so if you're Mom and husband think cooking will make him a "sissy", it sure didn't make my boy one. And tell you Mom and husband that the most famous chefs are all men!!!! You could have the next Wolfgang Punk on your hands!!!!

I say get it for him! Explain to your husband and mother that pretend play is normal and healthy. It makes him a normal boy that is learning. I see it with our nephew (as our son is only 7 months old), when he visits our daughter, they play kitchen and dress up. His dad is coming to terms that just because his son wants to wear the pink hat and purple tu-tu, while playing trucks, it is ok. Maybe if he can see you son playing at daycare with the other kids, that may help. I am lucky that my husband is ok with this coming about. Many of the play kitchens available now aren't pink and purple and are geared to both sexes, so I say GO FOR IT!

Tell them that some of the greatest chefs in the world are men. Enough said. :)
And buy him a kitchen for Christmas. :)

J.,
Don't let this be an issue. I am a mom of three boys, 14,11 & 4. All of which at some time or another played with kicken stuff and played dress up. Our 4 year old was into the same things at your sons age. We did get him a kitchen set. It is a stage. It also encourages the creativity & imaginary processes. Look at how many men are in the culinary field. They had to start somewhere. Now, our 4 is into Monster trucks and our neighbor girl has his old kitchen. Our 14 year old was big into vacuuming at that age, now he is in the Air Force ROTC. Our 11 year old loved to play with a doll with this checkered dress. He is now into Dirt Biking. Big deal. Let your son enjoy his imagination. J. L.

There is nothing wrong with a boy playing with a kitchen set. After all, what is the difference really between a little boy pretendint to cook and a grown man cooking? There are so many life lessons one can learn through play. When your son gets old enough to live on his own, you want him to be comfortable in the kitchen so he can cook his own meals instead of going out to eat at restaurants all the time. Why not encourage him to have an interest in cooking? Besides, you can get gender neutrual kitchens. It doesn't have to be a girly kitchen at all!

if your son likes to play with a kitchen set then he should get a kitchen set! whats appalling is the way people (not you) allow societies arbitrary and out dated assumptions about gender roles affect their children who simply like what they like. playing in the kitchen will not make him gay. im sorry, i get so frustrated when i hear about people reacting this way. i mean, even if he did become a chef, would that be so bad? do you hear people making fun of wolfgang puck because he likes to play in the kitchen? kids interests should always be encouraged and supported.
OK im done.

My son is almost 2 1/2 and he loves the play kitchen at daycare and loves helping me in the kitchen. I don't see any wrong doing in getting him one. If people say it is just for girls they believe to much in to the 60's stereo type that women belong in the kitchen and men don't. Most of the best known chefs though are men. You never know you may have a future chef on your hands and why not let him explore himself. I know he's young but they need to start some time on figuring out what they like and don't like. Just my thoughts... I say go for it!!!

OMG, why shouln't a boy be allowed to play with a kitchen? How gender biased is that?! Some of the most amazing chefs in this world are men! My 3-year-old son loves playing with the toy kitchen we have. It's one of those wooden ones (I was lucky enough to snatch it on the side of the road when someone was getting rid of it ;) and we have some wooden food to go with it plus some pots and utensils from Goodwill. Another friend of mine's son also has a wooden one and uses it all the time. And what woman wouldn't be so happy if her husband were to feel comfortable in the kitchen and cook some of the family meals? Your son would get a great start in life if he were allowed to play with a kitchen or dolls (preparation for caring for a baby later on) or whatever HE chooses. Once you start telling him what he shouldn't play with (besides something that is dangerous), that's when you start stumping and pushing down his personality, and that happens WAY too often, IMO.

I hope you'll listen to your son on this one. ;)

Peace,
K.

Umm-- Emiril, Wolfgang Puck, The Iron Chefs, and many other famous chefs are men.

My husband does 90% of our cooking-- not at all effininate

BUT Most importantly, it has nothing to do with any of that- they just love to use their imaginations and to emulate what you are doing in the kitchen. My twins are a girl and a boy and they both LOVE the kitchen set. They are only 2 and bring us the food they have cooked and feed it to us, (of course we have to say "Mmm- good" and "More please"). The kitchen set we got was the best thing we ever got them.
They stir, run water (saying "shhhh" when the water runs)- put things in the microwave saying 'HOT" when they take it out, and playing like it is hot to the touch...
We keep it in the den near our kitchen so they can cook for us.

I have to tell you we just bought a Little Tykes kitchen for our son. He is almost 3 1/2 and loves it! They are just kids, and i think it is a great way for them to pretend play. You can find kitchens that don't look to girlie as well (such as the Little Tykes one). Also, if you look at the pictures on the boxes most of them show a boy and girl on them. It also teaches little ones that it is ok to take part in daily household activities. Stick to your guns and go for it. Check out Toys R Us and Target as well.

I think it is absolutely ridiculous to say that play kitchens should be for little girls only, just as I think it is ridiculous to suggest that trucks and cars should only be for boys.
I have a two year old daughter who loves playing with traditional boys toys. I think it is healthy and natural for children, be a boy or girl, to show an interest in all toys. Young children don't understand the confinements society places on toys that supposedly make them gender specific. By not allowing a child to play with a toy because it conflicts with their stereotyped gender roll, it teaches them that there are boundaries to acceptable behavior. I believe that young children shouldn't be corralled towards toys that society says is acceptable. If a child fosters a curiosity towards a toy, they should be free to explore it.
If you son wants to play kitchen, go for it. Who knows, maybe he'll be a great chef some day - like Gordon Ramsey, Emril, Wolfgang Puck, or any other famous male chef who makes an incredible amount of money playing in a kitchen.

I have two boys (3 and 1 y.o.) who both love their kitchen set. They can play and "cook" all day long. They do love putting stuff inside the drawers and putting the stove on, playing with utensils, etc. We got a nice cheap set from Wal-Mart that cost us about $36. It fits nicely in the corner and makes all sorts on cooking noises when operated. Its colors are gray and green and are very appropriate for boys. My oldest loves helping me around our real kitchen: making bread, cookies, cooking noodles, making salads, most of all - doing dishes! I think it's wonderful my kids get excited to cook with me and help me clean afterwards. Then they go to their little kitchen and play more there repeating what they just learned in mama's kitchen. It keeps them happy and they learn a lot by playing and participating. It also helps them develop lots of other great skills. So, it's up to you what you decide but our experience has been great!

I have a 16 month old son who loves the play kitchen my kids have (I have boy/girl twins). He also loves playing with the cabinets and pretends he is mixing things. It's very cute. This same little boy also loves playing with his cars and trucks so I don't think there is an issue here. Hopefully your husband can be more open minded.

I've seen kitchen sets which are not pink or purple, but rather off-white or wood. I have kitchen sets for my two sons and encourage them to play chef. Also, I invite them to help me often with cooking. Cooking is a life skill. So is cleaning. Anytime my sons want to play at cooking or cleaning, I say go for it! To do otherwise is to relegate girls to these tasks and not to prepare our boys to become responsible men.

I try to expose both of my kids (1 girl and one boy) to all sorts of toys. I would hate to have a girl grow up and think she "belongs" in the kitchen, as much as I would hate to have a son who thinks that it is a woman's place in the kitchen.

You may want to gently tell your husband and mom that most of the world's greatest and most famous chefs are men. Just watch Iron Chef on the Food Network. Men cook. Boys like to play with pots and pans. And everyone eats. My son (2-1/2) has my play stove that I had when I was a child, my grandfather built it for me. He loves it. He loves to help me make dinner. Nothing feminine, nothing masculine. Just human!

LMAO! I love how things such as playing kitchen are girls activities/toys. I find that offensive to both sexes. If my child played with a kitchen regardless of their sex I would most certainly buy them one. Hate to tell them but the vast majority of the famous chefs of the world are of the male persuassion. Not to mention if you go up to Metro more than half their culinary arts students are again MALE! LOL! So buy your little boy a kitchen if he wants one. I know they even make a neutral color one that is tan and green.

My son preschool class had them and all the boys played .Ask his dad if he cooks ? Maybe their thinking about the little pink plastic ones. I would get him a wooden set.

Many of the worlds best chefs are men. Pay attention to the food network and you will notice how many are men.

The idea of boys playing with kitchen sets is unfortunatley still pretty controversial and it's often hard to change someone's opinion about what toys are appropriate for boys or girls. I'm a primary teacher and in kindergarten it seems the boys that are most interested in playing with dolls and the kitchen are the boys who were never able to explore them earlier at home. This may be a little cunning, but I used this senario to convince my brother it was alright for his boy to have a kitchen AND play with dolls at home. For him, it was much more appalling to think of his son playing with these things as a 5 year old in kindergarten than as a 2 year old at home. As for the kitchen set, it's a great toy for all young children that are interested! They can do great pretend play, model what they, practice language that is familiar, and like you said all the drawers and cabinets are endless fun.

they have toy pot and pan sets with utensils that are in a silver stainless steal look and sometimes even cups and plates with them and of course there is lots of play food. Tell them that there are several male chefs who are plenty masculine and let your son explore various roles for a well rounded child. Sounds like he would enjoy it very much and we need to let our kids explore their interests even if they differ from ours

It's high time your husband and mom get over their conservative ideas of what constitutes a boy and a girl. A kitchen set for your son will help him learn that a man's place isn't only in the garage. It won't make him gay if that is what your family is alluding too.

J.,

You have recieved quite a response to your question. You know, no one thinks it's a big deal if they see a girl playing with cars or tools but if a boy plays with dolls or dress-up they tend to have the same reaction that your family had (my husband included). I have worked as a caregiver in several daycares and the boys enjoyed playing with the kitchen set just as much as the girls. It gives them a chance to expand their imagination and act out what they see at home in their own daily lives. We have a play set that is a kitchen on one side and a outside grill on the other side. The colors can be used for either gender. It's made by Little Tikes. Maybe your husband will be more open to something like that or maybe he needs to see your son at the daycare playing with the kitchen so that he can see how much your son enjoys it.

Appalled?!? Most of the best chefs in the world are men. You never know if his curiosity will turn into a passion when he's older. Tell Dad to give him a break and pick his battles. Dad's focus should be on watching your son blossom and enjoy life...cooking and all.

Hi J.:
Yeah I have comments:
Your husband and mom need to realize that toys, such as the kitchen set, can help you son grow as a person and learn to be useful in the kitchen so one day when he is married he will be more apt to help his wife in the kitchen. I cant stand it when people suggets that certain toys should only be for certain genders. My son loves to play with kitchen sets, dolls too. I know that one day he will grow up to be a wonderful husband and father because he is getting these experiences now and will learn great compromising skills and parenting skills.
I think that maybe your mom is stuck in the days when girls played with dolls and boys with trucks and that was the social norm. As for your husband, well is he the women belong in the kitchen and men belong out in the work field type? Well i am sorry but that sounds just a little sexist to me!
My advice is to do some research and find out the positives to boys playing with what is considered "girl toys," I am sure that some psychiatrist, some where, has done some kind of research on the topic! Good luck to you and I say go for it unless you think it will cause a huge fight between you and your husband, then i would discuss it with him first,
K.

My son's favorite thing is to help cook dinner. I would love it if he became a famous chef someday. Yum! Have you checked out the play kitchens from KidKraft? They have some in more "masculine" colors. :) Here's a link to their website:

http://www.kidkraft.com/catalog/cat00059.asp

Good luck!

L.

Hi J.,

Don't believe that kitchen sets are for "girls". I remember back when we were kids all the boys played house as the dad's and in this day and age many fathers do need to help out equally with the housework as most moms are helping out with the income. I got the same stuff from My son also loved to play with the kitchen stuff. In addition to that he loved baby dolls and I got him a boy doll. He also loved to vaccuum and was eventually frustrated that the play vaccuums don't pick up so we got him a real one his size. His 2 much older brothers and father weren't crazy about the idea but they have all have had fun playing in the kitchen with him. Since encouraging that he gets so much pleasure out of being a help to me with cleaning and is the most organized of all the kids and has many interests. It certainly didn't affect him liking to play with "boy" toys because he absolutely loves trucks and planes too. Its just another tool to stimulate their brains for higher intelligence. Hope this helps. S.

Hi J.,

Get the little guy a kitchen! What about Bobby Dean, Emeril, and all of those other successful male chefs? What he is really doing as he is opening and closing and other things is studying science, using fine and gross motor skills, using his imagination, and many other wonderful things. Playing with the kitchen doesn't mean he'll be a chef, of course, but he will be grown up some day and won't it be great if he spends some time in the kitchen and makes himself and possibly his family something to eat? As I am typing, I am thinking about how others may react to the play kitchen. If your choice of toys is openly criticized, maybe it is best that he not have one. That would be sad because it is exciting when a child loves a toy so much. Maybe he would love a toy grill, or tool set. I am not saying this in a sarcastic way, so please don't read it that way. You must be very frustrated that people do not see the value in a toy and appreciate your sons interest like you do.

K.

My brother in law is a chef. There are still more male chefs than female. He is also happily married and he and his wife just had their first child, a boy who will undoubtedly have a kithen play set, just as my son will. If your son enjoys the kitchen, more power to him. It means he is too young to know that thre are gender stereotypes still going strong in our world. Lets hope he never has to know.

There is absolutely no reason that boys cannot play with kitchen sets. My twins 14 mo old boys have a kitchen set that they love to play with. Do your husband and mother really think that only girls use kitchens? Most top chefs are males and they had to start somewhere. Giving a boy an appreciation for cooking, cleaning, sewing, etc will enable them to take care of themselves later in life and hopefully stop propagating the notion that there are girl only activities and boy only activities.

I will echo the comments of everyone else and say that I do not think that a play kitchen is a "girl" toy. I say, if it is something that he enjoys playing with, go for it! My daughter is 4 and still plays with her kitchen, so it is worth the investment and our 1 year old son loves to join in on the "cooking".

Well, I'm going to be a broken record here and you've received probably all the responses you need to reinforce that you're thinking right. I have an 18 month old daughter who loves tractors & trucks, etc as much as she does dolls & her kitchen toys...that doesn't make me freak out. My 18 yr old nephew played with a babydoll when he was 17-18 mos old (much to my brother's chagrin at the time) and now he is very much a "guy" but does SO great with kids...because he was allowed to see as a little child that it's ok to be male & be nurturing...just as it is ok to be a male & cook! I think maybe your hubby & mom have this idea of a frilly apron & pearls...and that is so NOT the case...some of the best cooks I know are men. Nurturing this behavior now could lead to a lifelong hobby, if not career, for your son. I'd tell your hubby & mom that if they don't like the child's role playing to stay out of the play kitchen! Stick to your guns girl!

I don't believe there is such a thing as boy and girl toys at this young age. My son is 3 and loves playing with my daughters kitchen set and also her dolls and her doll house with her. A little boy I used to tend loved playing dress up with all the other kids. Your mom and hubby are obviously very old fashioned. There is nothing wrong with boys playing with kitchen sets or girls playing with trucks.
Does your husband ever cook? Does your mom take out the trash?

tell them, "oh is that so. then why are there men chefs?" How did they get started? Just cause he wants to play with a kitchen set doesn't mean he'll turn gay or whatever if that is what they are afraid of.

i think u wold do him justice in buying a kitchen,it will help broaden his immagination not to mention his motor skills i say let the boy play!

A way to get around buying a "kitchen set" and upsetting your relatives, is to free up a lower drawer in your kitchen specificially for your child. Into the drawer you can put safe kitchen objects such as plastic measuring cups, spoons, and whatever for him to play around with while you are in the kitchen. I have a girl and 2 boys and they all enjoyed doing this.