Keeping Gender a Secret: Nutso or Not So?

Credit: {Charlotte.Morrall}

Have you heard the one about the family that is keeping its 4-month-old baby’s gender a secret? No, it’s not the setup to a joke—although in this know-the-baby’s-gender-at-20-weeks-pregnant society, it may seem like one. It’s the reality for one family who has chosen not to make the “It’s a Girl!” or “It’s a Boy!” announcement. I’m guessing they shouted “It’s a Baby!” with as much excitement as any other parent.

The uproar about this family choosing not to share the baby’s gender is far-reaching; it seems like I saw a headline about it on every blog and website I’ve visited recently (like this extremely judgmental article). I didn’t really care what this family did—it’s not my business. But I care even less after having read the mom’s letter explaining the family’s decision. She’s extremely thoughtful about her kids and their well-being and is more concerned about being a mom than publicizing her child’s gender (props to someone who passes up their 15 minutes of fame).

Could I personally keep my baby’s gender a secret? No. But in a way, I see where she’s coming from. I chose not to find out my baby’s gender before she was born. I wanted the surprise of not knowing, but I also didn’t want to be inundated with pink or blue before my child was even born; I figured my “it” baby had plenty of time to be a gender once she arrived. And with toys? I don’t want it to be all dolls or kitchen sets. I’ll buy race cars and trains in the interest of a well-rounded kiddo.

I simply don’t believe that not smacking a kid over the head with a gender really matters. After all, won’t a kid grow up to be an adult, regardless of whether or not they were outfitted in pink and blue throughout the first year or two? What do you guys think?

Can’t see the poll? Weigh in on this gender topic here!

What are you guys thinking about this topic? Inquiring minds want to know! —Erin