I had a preference before having a child but now I don’t. All babies are lovely, squishy, and occasionally a terror.
It sounds like you agreed with them until you had a boy. Everyone has an opinion. The healthiest thing to do as a parent is to tune them out and focus on your experience. If you’re happy, who cares what anyone else thinks?
I had a slight preference but would have been happy either way. Now I have my son, I can’t imagine not loving him more. My next child will be whatever gender; I really don’t care. It’s similar with names; after a few minutes with the baby, the name doesn’t matter.
People are weird. When I was pregnant with my son, two friends were pregnant with girls. People would routinely comment about boys being better even when they knew.
Maybe it’s where I live, but my experiences are different. Whenever I said I was having a boy, people often sighed in relief saying, ‘Thank god, girls are the worst to raise.’ That makes me nervous if I eventually have a daughter as my community isn’t kind. I’ll make sure my son doesn’t share that mindset.
@Jesse
Agreed; some people act as if boys are prizes and girls are less valuable. It’s concerning, but I ended up with two girls; lucky me!
It’s perfectly fine to desire a particular gender or be fond of baby girls. That lady might have had boys in her family; girls could be novel to her. You wanted a girl because you shared a wonderful bond with your mom, which is beautiful. Your son will have friends who love him.
Many desire a girl through IVF, but many also adore their boys. It’s all about your happiness. I won’t mind either gender for my second (my first is a girl).
All babies are cute. It’s frustrating; I’m sorry you’re dealing with this.
That’s insane—doing IVF for gender? What kind of world is this?
It’s strange; I’m sorry. I have a son and a daughter but didn’t check their genders before birth. I simply wanted healthy babies. The comments about gender are bizarre. Your son is perfect; the problem lies with those commenting!
My first is a boy, and I’m expecting another boy in April. I desired all boys; if we had a girl, it’s fine, but when people say we need to try for a girl, I refuse. My husband hoped for a girl, but he’s still thrilled for our new baby.
I have a girl, and people act as if that’s bad; they say ‘Maybe next time will be a boy.’ We plan to stick with one.
I wanted a girl and felt sad briefly not having one, but I’m just thankful for a healthy pregnancy. Now that he’s here, he’s my best friend, and I’m grateful! It’s odd how much emphasis is on gender; I might hope for a girl next time, but I’m also okay with another boy.
Oh yes, those reactions! I’ve had them too. Also, people confuse him for a girl. I didn’t have a gender preference. I knew he was a boy and was thrilled because it took so long to get pregnant. My baby boy is the best for me; others’ opinions are irrelevant! The only frustration is finding clothes; the stores are filled with girls’ clothes and just a few for boys.
Don’t worry; everyone’s babies are the wrong gender. Some people always want to impose negative opinions on others’ choices.
I have two boys, and the bond I share with my boys is special. I wouldn’t change it for anything. My oldest told me recently that I’m his best friend.
When I was pregnant, everyone guessed I’d have a boy, but I had a girl. Now people expect us to try for a boy. You can never really win; my sister-in-law has both genders, and I guess she won the lottery.
When my mom makes fun of me for having a boy, I feel that twinge of disappointment. I adore him; he’s a perfect baby who sleeps well and smiles early. But whenever someone says ‘Maybe the next will be a girl,’ I just choke up and feel terrible instead of standing up for my son.
I faced a lot of friends and family excited for me to have a girl. We had a boy, and some were certainly disappointed. He’s fantastic; love your little guy and be the best parent you can. 