What do I tell my kids??

Jolie, BSN · Oct 5, 2007

I'm sorry for your girls' experience.

How about you call the kids' parents, nice and friendly, and chat about how their teasing is hurting your daughters, then offer to talk to the children about nursing. Kind of like a little career day to help them understand just how important nurses are in their lives.

The same idea may hold for the school, as well. Good luck!

piper_for_hire · Oct 5, 2007

Well - I always hesitate to give other parents advice on parenting but I would see this as an opportunity to begin teaching your kids that it doesn't matter what other people think. Of course, you may not agree with this point of view - but I really have never cared what other people think (thought?) and I find that when I behave within the social norms that this is a giant red flag that I'm doing something wrong. I can only hope that somehow I can influence my kids to believe in themselves and completely disregard convention. Dare to dream. I think this side effect of your career choice is a blessing in disguise. Pounce on this opportunity!

-S

suanna · Oct 5, 2007

I don't think there is anything you can do to keep 6year olds from being cruel to each other. If it wasn't your chosen profession it would be the car you drive, the dress you kid wears, the brand of notebook they carry. I would tell your kids that is sad that some kids are so ignorant that they don't know that men make excellent nurses. They should try to ignore comments from ignorant people who don't know any better. I do think speeking at thier class career day is a great idea. Both my daughters were proud thier dad (yes, don't let the sign-on name fool ya, I'm a guy) is a nurse. In a few more years it will be a non issue.

NightOwl0624 · Oct 5, 2007

Hopefully in this situation is is more a matter of what their friends are used to, and need to get used to the idea that nurses are very diverse. They have probably seen few nurses in their lives: at the physician's office, where the majority of the staff are likely female.

When I took my kids to school with me one day to pick something up, they met my prof. and were AMAZED that he was a BOY! They couldn't stop talking about it - because they have only seen female teachers. I had to explain that there are actually quite a few men who are teachers and professors!

I guess I would be uncomfortable talking to the parents, too, but I would tell my kids about all of the many kinds of nurses you work with so they will know, be comfortable and maybe be able to educate their friends.

BTW, congratulations on your new field! My husband works for your former company and sometimes I wish he had taken the opportunity to do something else, too.

(Also, I think a school career day is an excellent idea, too.)

vamedic4, EMT-P · Oct 5, 2007

well - i always hesitate to give other parents advice on parenting but i would see this as an opportunity to begin teaching your kids that it doesn't matter what other people think. of course, you may not agree with this point of view - but i really have never cared what other people think (thought?) and i find that when i behave within the social norms that this is a giant red flag that i'm doing something wrong. i can only hope that somehow i can influence my kids to believe in themselves and completely disregard convention. dare to dream. i think this side effect of your career choice is a blessing in disguise. pounce on this opportunity!
-s

exactly!!

SarasotaRN2b · Oct 5, 2007

I wouldn't worry to much about it. At the time they told their friends, it was new news, as soon as something else comes along, it'll be old news. Also, I am sure that when you are a nurse and working and have interesting stories...it'll probably be the opposite and considered cool. Keep the pride you have in this honorable career and I'm sure that your girls will follow suit.

Kris

jb2u, ASN, RN · Oct 8, 2007

I'd say do what I did. Find out when career day is at your children's school and be sure to go. Teach all of the kids about the rich history of men in nursing and about how men use to provide all nursing care and the fact that the first nursing school was for men only. Johnson & Johnson has a great coloring book called "you can be a nurse." It is free and they will ship to you, free of charge, large quantities. I ordered 110 of them for my son's career day! Kids can be mean; so, it is important to teach this to your children, but maybe by educating the whole class about what nursing really is then maybe it will not be a problem. Who knows maybe one of the little boys in the class will grow up to be a nurse!!!

KungFuFtr · Oct 12, 2007

Just tell your kids that you're not a nurse; but, an "RN".

kukukajoo, LPN · Oct 13, 2007

I second the Career Day suggestion. Educate them. I bet J & J and others have materials promoting male nursing....

DoubleblessedRN, ADN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-P · Oct 13, 2007

[quote=They have probably seen few nurses in their lives: at the physician's office, where the majority of the staff are likely female.

When I took my kids to school with me one day to pick something up, they met my prof. and were AMAZED that he was a BOY! They couldn't stop talking about it - because they have only seen female teachers. I had to explain that there are actually quite a few men who are teachers and professors!

Excellent point.

Conrad283, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2007

As long as you put food on the table, clothes on your back and a roof over your head it doesn't really matter what type of profession you're in (except for the illegal kind, but that's another topic).