In a remarkable move, a mother has introduced an exciting collection of dolls designed specifically for boys. Over the years, society has made significant strides toward normalizing the idea of boys engaging with dolls and expressing their emotions. The outdated notion that boys should suppress their feelings is still prevalent, affecting young minds. Recognizing this challenge, one mother set out to create a line of dolls that would help boys develop emotional skills typically fostered through play.
According to reports from The Huffington Post, mom Sarah Bennett founded “Adventure Buddies,” a line of dolls aimed at empowering children, particularly boys, who may feel that dolls are only for girls. Sarah’s inspiration came when her young son returned from preschool expressing that “boys aren’t meant to cry.” This statement prompted her to reflect on the societal pressures surrounding masculinity and to find a way to dismantle this harmful stereotype.
She shares, “I was taken aback; my son was raised in a home that embraced emotions—after all, I’m a counselor! Yet, I soon realized that messages about masculinity are pervasive. Naturally, my son would feel the impact.”
To better understand how playtime influences children’s emotional and social growth, Sarah conducted interviews with 150 children, parents, educators, and experts in the toy industry. Her research revealed that “doll play offers invaluable social and emotional lessons.” While many boys are interested in playing with dolls, some parents and boys themselves are deterred by the stigma associated with such activities and the term “doll.”
Her insights were enlightening. Traditional boys’ toys like trucks, blocks, and action figures often lack the human connection that dolls provide, limiting the pretend play opportunities where social interactions and emotional expression can flourish. This realization fueled Sarah’s passion to create Adventure Buddies, a line of dolls that blend the excitement of action figures with the emotional bonds typically found with plush toys. She affectionately refers to these dolls as “buddies.” After a successful Kickstarter campaign last year, they are now available for purchase on her website.
As for the types of dolls offered, Sarah’s research guided her choices. “We explored the most popular preschool pretend-play scenarios and combined them with nurturing opportunities. Why shouldn’t a superhero or an explorer also be a caretaker?” she said. She emphasizes that all children can enjoy the Adventure Buddies, and plans for a female doll line are also in the works. “Our mission is to empower every child to see themselves as creative and resilient individuals, capable of achieving anything!”
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In summary, Sarah Bennett’s Adventure Buddies is breaking down gender stereotypes in play by encouraging boys to embrace dolls as a means of emotional development. Her innovative approach not only promotes creativity and connection but also aims to empower all children to express their feelings freely.