Tomboy

[sunflower68]

We are friends with a 7 year old tomboy. She goes out of her way to do non-girlie stuff and that is absolutely fine. She is a lovely girl. (Although she tells me she is a boy!)
What I am querying is why her family buy her so much boy-stuff eg boxer shorts, school uniform and shoes. At parties she doesn't even wear jeans and t shirt, it is more likely a scruffy tracksuit.
My problem lies in the parental responsibility here; surely there are limits to this. Don't they put their foot down at underwear? I think this little girl is going to become confused!

[jake-the-peg]

I'd stay well out of it if I were you!

It doesn't sound as if she's at all confused to me!

Maybe it's a phase maybe it isn't but I'd suggest it's better for all concerned if you just take her as you find her.

[chelsea_girl]

I was the same as a girl, always tomboy, even to point of trying to convince other people I was a boy wearing my "elder sister's" clothes. Its a phase she's going thro, and her parents are neither right nor wrong. My mum made me wear girly clothes and i just resented them even more. My own daughter has been allowed to choose the way she is, and was never forced to wear dresses. She is now the girl my Mother always wanted, which made me feel inadequate. As only a friend, you should just let them get on with it. When she feels ready to be a female, she will, if she wants. If not, she'll carry on as a boy. It doesn't affect any future she may have and therefore she should not be subjected to any form of "change"

[devilwoman]

aww bless, at her age i wouldnt wear dresse either, i wuld much prefer jeans or trousers, and i liked to climb trees or play football with the boys, she'll grow out of it eventually probably when she statrts to take an interest in lads.

[sunflower68]

Thanks, good replies. I am not involved in any way with the issue other than personally musing it over. She is a lovely kid and I take her exactly as she is, no problems.
Good to know it is just a phase though, thanks. :)

[fairkatrina]

I doubt anyone can say it's "just a phase" until she's in her mid-teens at the earliest. I've known tomboys grow up straight and 'girly' girls grow up gay, but the obvious also happens! I think 7 is a bit young for people to be making assumptions about her one way or another.

[southgirl]

i have a 7 year old tomboy as well. i let her be, she prefers jeans to dresses. for christmas she wants power rangers and spiderman gear. she likes her hair long because she wants to look like a girl, just does not want to do girl things, she says it is boring. different girls differnt things, we all go through phases even now.

[saxy_jag]

Her parents probably buy her the boys' clothes because that's what she asks for. I was the same at that age, and I haven't changed much. I don't even own a skirt.

Remember, she is just 7. She has plenty of time to grow out of it, and if she doesn't, well, what does it matter?

[badgerchops]

Whats it got to do with you anyway. shes a lovely girl you say, so thats fine. you'll make her have more issues by sticking your nose in. And why are you friends with a 7 yr old. unless you are between 6-8 yourself you are not her friend.