Monday 2 November 2009

Job prospects

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" I asked my daughter at lunch today.

"A mummy," she says.

"You can't be a mummy," her brother complains. "That's not a job." [Wry smile from me, here.]

"Would you like to be a teacher?" I ask.

"No."

"Maybe a nurse, or a doctor like Daddy?"

"No, that's a boy's job. I don't want a boy job. I'm a girl."

"Doctors can be girls too," my son shouts back at her. Patience and tolerance are low in his list of skills at present - equality and justice are clearly higher! I do wonder where they get these sexist ideas for jobs: it certainly isn't from home.

"What about being a vet?" her brother continues. "Boys and girls can be vets."

"No, that's a boy job. I don't want to be a vet."

Volume levels are rising, and the distinction between boy and girl jobs is not one I wish to promote nor pursue. "So, is there anything else you want to be?" I ask gently.

"No. I want to be a mummy."

So that's that.

Does that mean I have to be a granny?

6 comments:

The bike shed said...

I love the way they say these things. I once asked my boy what he'd like to be? He replied: A hairdresser and a chair!

Catharine Withenay said...

A hairdresser and a chair? Both at once? Wow - your son has ambition!

Anonymous said...

That's a slightly better choice than my daughter who want's to be a monkey!

Working Mum said...

Yes, but a granny is better than being a mum - you get all the nice bits, then hand them back!

My daughter wants to be the first person on Mars, a jockey and a teacher. Yes, all three! She's got it all worked out.

cheshire wife said...

Don't worry there is plenty of time for her to change her mind!

Catharine Withenay said...

Rosiescribble - Mummy? Monkey? What's the difference?

WM - I look forward to handing them back (am I a terrible mother?) Look forward to seeing your daughter's progress - you've an interesting life ahead of you!

CW - phew!

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