My son used to love my painting his toenails and fingernails when he was like 3 and 4 when is do mine, now I offer and he says no and never asks me to. I dont know if it’s his new personal preference or if he’s embarrassed based on tropes in our society we still can’t get beyond… My parents were BOTH big naysayers when his nails would be done.
Fuk wat the man sez if it makes ur son hapi let him do it my son is 8 and he stil lets his 5 yr old sister paint his nails even wears them to school …
1 Like
I think you need to tell both bio and step daddies to stuff it. If he’s happy getting his nails painted, then let him. He’s a child. Toxic masculinity issues are a real thing, and that’s all you will teach him if you tell him nonsense like that and let a man teach him that. Especially if you’ve already been allowing him to do it for years. My husband knows better than to say anything about it to me when it comes to my boys (I have 3 boys and 1 girl). And I’ve had people tell me I shouldn’t let them do that, even strangers. I just smile, tell them it’s what they choose to do with their bodies and it’s harmless to other people, and to move along.
Your husband and your ex are both @$$holes. If your son wants to express himself with some nail polish, let him.
11 Likes
What a horrible experience for you and your son. If it was a little girl asking to paint daddy’s nails he would give in and say yes so why cant your son have his done? It’s his choice, it’s not going to hurt anyone and if he enjoys it then he enjoys it 
We’ve painted our sons tons of times just cause they see us painting mamas nails. So we paint whatever color they want.
All kids go thru this phase young boys just want to be included. My brother is the same way with his kids it drives me nuts
Don’t let two damaged, judgmental, “men” turn your son into one of them…
Go buy him orange nail polish and, paint his nails…
My sons paint their nails occasionally for baseball. After seeing Yadi Molina for it they wanted to do when they were behind the plate too. Didn’t bother me or my husband.
Step dad is wrong. Nothing is wrong with wanting to do what mom and his sister are doing. It was pretty and looked fun. It isn’t a gateway to anything your ex and husband see as negative. Unfortunately your son is going to be hurt every time he thinks about it or is reminded about it. Tell your husband to grow up and let your son be a kid. If he can’t agree, at least keep quiet. Remind him things like that in front of your son is a good way to become the hated stepdad.
I can see that leading to a healthy relationship…you’ve been allowing it for years and now step dad is around and says no he suddenly has to stop…of course he is confused!!!
I’ll paint my 4yo sons toenails… it’s not hurting anyone & he loves it! Even if it’s just 1 toe. His dad doesnt like it either, but oh well
Funny that most men are happy for their son’s to be face painted.
This really breaks my heart for your son😭 you probably killed his spirit. And will probably never do it again cause he will feel he’s done wrong. Part of him will be scared to express himself.
I highly encourage OP (and anyone here with sons) to watch The Mask You Live In-a documentary which is on Amazon prime. It’s all about toxic masculinity and how it’s affecting our boys. 
3 Likes
all three of my boys had painted nails, they thought it was cool. I never made a big deal of it. Now my middle son paints his gf nails. All three of my boys know what makeup is and what its used for, they can paint a killer nail and can put hair in a pony tail. I let my boys play with dolls and barbies. They are better men now because I didn’t make a fuss when they were younger. Plus they can handle raw emotion, judgement from others and don’t expect anything handed to them. So raise your children to be good people. Show them what happiness really looks like.
I don’t have children but I feel bad for this little boy.
In my opinion, forcing gender roles on children is psychologically harmful. You’re stifling their feelings and creativity. You’re telling them who they are “allowed” to be.
Let your little boys wear nail polish. Let your little boys play “house” with dolls. They’re not hurting anyone. Maybe they’ll grow up to be great fathers who play dress up and tea party with their own little ones. Maybe they’ll be single fathers.
Let your little girl play with dinosaurs or toy cars. Maybe she will grow up to be a paleontologist or design safety features for cars or build rocket ships.
You have the power to limit your children’s experiences but that may cause resentment.
Let your child decide who they are. Your children are not an extension of yourself. They are people with thoughts and feelings and talents all their own
Parents want their children to have good, happy lives. The adventures and imagination of children are a huge part of a normal, healthy life. Talk to him about his concerns and maybe he will see new generations are always different, that you share some concerns but maybe some. Even if you dont hace the same concerns being acknowledged matters on important issues. I would be more concerned about the paint having toxins on the nail bed or if chewed on. Is your son artistic or does it interest you for him to explore it? If so, maybe find other ways to encourage it which could also quell Mr’s concerns.
If both his father and step father have an issue…you need to talk to them and have a discussion. They do have a say too…maybe you can reason with them or compromise.
I parent my daughter and sometimes as in life you can’t always do or get what you want. She may want to wear underwear on her head but I would not let her do it at school.
There’s a lot of factors that play into my opinion lol… 1. Do I think your son should be able to express himself without a label being thrown at him, yall as parents, and a big deal being made? Yes. 2. Part of me feels like, no matter the length of your current relationship, he is YOUR son and I he damned if anyone “demands” I do something regarding my child’s care. 3. I try to respect my husband’s opinions as for things like this with our kids but we both kinda just let the creativity flow. 4. I would kindly remind your husband, that there are plenty of male artists, musicians, etc that paint their nails. I tell both my kids… boy/girl… 2/6, that there is a time and place for everything but expression of ALL ways is welcome in our house. I’m guessing yall live either below the Mason Dixon or in the Midwest.
I’d be having along talk with the teacher as to why she thought that was okay without a parents permission. Everyone’s got different views on it. Personally, for myself it’s for girls only. Unless you’re goth then everyone wears black lol
But man some of these comments show why society has gone so downhill and all these women hating on men for being actual fathers smh
Sorry, but when was nail polish only for girls? I don’t see on the label where it says that. Maybe I missed it somewhere?
2 Likes
He should have been discouraged from doing that from the beginning. And, the teacher should not have painted them.
The “men” in his life aren’t secure with themselves like your son is about himself. Educate the parental men in his life about transparency, being true to ones self. And most of all ACCEPTANCE OF THEIR CHILD!!!
I was in the same boat…I left it on…
Pick a good calm day and express to your current husband and ex, exactly what you just said in this post. Then tell them that you’re sticking to your parenting plan, and they’re gonna suck it up for the sake of their son whom they both love. Then, you do the same for your son. Explain in a very direct, but simple way why that happened, that it has been resolved. 7 years old is old enough to comprehend and understand that mistakes happen. Ideally, you’ll be able to have this conversation with his step-dad present. Its the adults fault, not your son’s. People of any age learn and grow from mistakes. Make a spa day with your son and daughter at home and paint each other’s nails. Your son loves you and will totally forgive you. It’s not about anything but acceptance for everyone. If the males still don’t agree, tell them to keep their mouths shut anyhow in front of or to, your son and daughter. Let your children be children. Communicate and resolve.
Your husband is absolutely right & what you did is also right (regardless of how you felt afterwards)
1 Like
Throw the n husband in the bin and buy the kid some nail polish
1 Like
Why can’t girls just have girl things. Why do boys always have to interfere. Jeez. Femism. Duh…
1 Like
DONT EVER GO AGAINST YOUR CHILDS HAPPINESS TO PLEASE A GUY! please stand up with your kids and if he likes it then so be it its only make up and nail polish if he gets all crazy and macho then hit him with facts! Long time ago warriors used face paintings its all over history! So I’m sorry but fuck what step dad and bio dad think!
Its fine. All three of my sons did this.
Let girls be girls and boys be boys! Nail polish is a girl thing!!!
2 Likes
Fight for your child always!! Your the mother and the two men are uninformed about sexuality. A child must be free to grow into who he honestly is! Judgement from ignorant people will hurt his soul. Force them into Theripy if they refuse you and your son must go to therapy. There are many places that have a sliding fee. You can pay what you can afford. Go online and research articles and join online support groups. I urge you not to get hooked up with any religious groups, many kids have become dysfunctional human beings after being forced into false behaviors.
7 Likes
Throw out the whole damn man.
4 Likes
Honestly I would immediately apologize to your son. I would repaint his nails and tell your husband to fu*k off.
27 Likes
My stepson enjoys having his nails painted and I love my husband even more because he is completely ok with it. He understands it’s completely normal. The one who has an issue with it, is his bio mom (she won’t even allow him to play with his favorite doll, Elsa).It broke my heart one day he came and asked me to remove the nailpolish because he’d be going to his mom’s and knew she’d be upset if she saw him with his nails painted. As I wiped the nail polish off, I reminded him that there is absolutely nothing wrong with him wanting to put makeup on or wanting his nails painted. I told him some grownups simply don’t understand.
Love your Baby. Reassure him there is nothing wrong with him or what he likes. Not sure how firm his bio dad was or if he was as nasty as your husband, but stick up for your son. He needs to know he has SOMEONE in his corner.
8 Likes
Get rid of your husband, that’s your son not his.
5 Likes
So you make your son sad just to make a man child happy. Stop doing that
1 Like
Throw the whole husband away. That shit is toxic and your child expressing himself is way more important than that guys obvious insecurities…
6 Likes
That’s not his father for one, and it’s a child thinking it’s neat for two. I said enough
Fuck both the dad’s your kid need you to step up for him espeically in this day and age they don’t like it they can move out
2 Likes
My son likes his done too and my husband wasn’t comfortable with it (though he didnt say that to our son). When we talked about it, I asked him if he thought it was okay to restrict/exclude a child based on their genitals. He agreed that wasnt okay so I asked him why he thought it was okay not to allow that kind of play. He realised he didnt have a reasonable reason for his feelings and now even paints our sons nails himself. Just have a talk about it and ask would he feel that way if your son was a girl. If the answer is no then he’s restricting him based on the fact that he’s a boy and that doesn’t seem fair. Maybe he’ll see it differently through a good conversation. If he doesn’t then you need to make it clear to him and your son that you support your son and painting his nails is perfectly okay, whether he has a penis or not! 
5 Likes
I don’t like either of these men!!!
Well…maybe allow him to do a clear coat instead
There’s a happy medium somewhere. I explained early on that somethings are for mommy and somethings are for Daddy. My son never had an issue. I think the issue here is he was made to feel like he was being yelled at or being bad. Maybe just explain to him somethings are for boys and some for girls and when he was younger he didn’t know any better but now that he’s older it’s just time to learn. But please make sure to tell him you loved the color and think it’s really sweet and nice that he thought of you .
Your husband needs to calm down and not be harsh like this. This type of attitude and expression will make him want to commit suicide if it continues. Protect your son. This is toxic
1 Like
Tell husband to get counseling
Exactly da problem in today’s world smh
My son is 3 and when I do my daughter nails (6) he puts his hands on my lap (expecting me to do his nails) All I say is “NO BABY, THIS IS FOR GIRLS ONLY.”he responds “GIRLS ONLY, MOMMY?” And I always say “YES girls only” and he says ok 
4 Likes
I dont have a son, but my husband wouldn’t care if he painted them pink and purple poke a dots if we had one. This just tells you if your son is gay, his father’s will not accept him. And thats kinda sad.
Your husband is toxic as fuck, and your son should be in an environment that pushes for individuality and making sure your baby is happy. Not one he gets yelled at for things that are “for girls”. Hes a child, learning a skill that might one day make him a better dad to his kids or wife or whoever he decides to love.
Youve been letting him paint them for years, dont damage your son by no longer allowing him because some dude who probably cant properly express his emotions said it was girly. Thats just wrong. Im not sure how anyone wouldnt see that.
First of all, one of the most Alpha Male men on Earth, Chuck Berry, was a Beautician before becoming the Godfather of Rock n Roll. I’m just gonna leave that there.
Any little boy with a sister or stepsister will want to dress up with her, paint nails, try lipstick. It is totally normal!!! Your husband and ex-husband are burdening your innocent little boy with their own FEARS- I guarantee it. APOLOGIZE TO YOUR BOY and tell him that it’s okay to do those things every once in a while just like it’s okay for his sister to play soccer, climb trees and even be on a wrestling team. They are kids!!!
Do not let your husband bully your child. Of course, you can tell your male child, “This is for fun and it’s totally okay. I loved the color. What will you pick next? Surprise me! And then you can paint my nails for me”. It’s okay to say “we’re not going to wear nail polish / dress up / try makeup all the time - but this is definitely something we can do for fun at home.”.
This has nothing to do with Maleness. The men in your life are fucked by their own experiences and are afraid he might be bullied - so they are coming from a protective place too."
TELL YOUR KID, “Dad and Stepdad love you. When they were little, boys were not allowed to do fun things like this and they are not used to it. Boys were not even allowed to be sad or cry when they were little. The world is different now and you can be brave and have a great time trying all this stuff with your sister.”
Then y’all should paint stepdad/dad’s nails so he can see that nothing bad will happen. It will be funny and will heal the hurt from the misunderstanding. If your man can’t get on board with that, then he is weak, cruel and insecure in his masculinity.
The men should also explain their viewpoint in a gentle, loving way to your son without putting it all on you to be the bad guy and leaving your little son reeling with thoughts of what he did “wrong”. They are acting like twats. They need to apologize to you and the kids.
My sons did this - the oldest is 30. All the neighborhood boys dressed up like princesses at least once. It was awesome. Nobody is gay - if that’s what your men are afraid of and none of them grew up to wear nail polish or makeup - even the artistic ones. They all went to college and married women.
3 Likes
Btw this is The Rock letting his daughter paint his nails
6 Likes
Just saw this today!
7 Likes
Wow some of these attitudes are stuck in the 1950s!! If he wants his nails painted, let him! Anything that brings a child joy should be strongly encouraged (obviously within reason - torture/murder/liking coriander NOT to be encouraged). Your husband needs a good kick up the bum, imagine bringing a child down because of your outdated beliefs?! 
5 Likes
My son who is going to be 14 is the youngest of 4 (3 older sisters) he painted his nails, played with dolls and even played dress up; he is now a very well manicured young MAN who plays sports, is into cars with a side of science and dresses like a typical boy with a splash of style as he has several pink shirts. He’s comfortable with his sexuality enough to wear all colors if he wants. Here’s a picture of him on game day…all “boy”
1 Like
It’s 2021. Toxic masculinity should not be allowed anymore. Bc of that many man are so cold and never able to express their feelings. Let your son express himself. We don’t need more assholes in this world. A little boy who is taught to express himself and accept their feelings and that it’s okay to cry , in the future will be a empathetic man who is not going to be suffering inside for not being able to express his feelings and do what he wants to do for being afraid of other men judging him.
7 Likes
Wow. Just wow. I can’t believe the amount of comments here telling this woman to leave her husband. Her husband and this boys father both said no. Why is that so wrong? This boy’s life will ultimately be no less happy or expressive without the nail polish. What the hell kind of day care pulls out nail polish? Especially without prior consent? Nail polish is probably the worst chemical you can throw into a bunch of kids you have no authority over. Such hostility towards these men for trying to do their job as a parent. Kids need to learn they cant have or do everything they want. It’s ok to teach them some things are for girls and some for boys. Buy the kids some paint and paper if that’s his thing. Don’t lynch these men for trying to teach this boy to be a man. They are doing their jobs. It’s called parental direction. It used to be the norm. This mother needs to compromise and be thankful she has not 1 but 2 men in this boys life trying to lead him down the right path. She needs to let them. All the dramatics that they are some toxic masculine monsters for trying to guide this boy is ridiculous.
2 Likes
Man, it’s almost like people are pushing for all of these kids to be gay or bi or gender neutral.
I advocate for equality and don’t condone hate crimes against anyone, but… you know, some stuff seems to be really out of hand.
The kids are going to be so confused.
It’s like the gender roles are purposely being pushed to be opposite of what is.
I can only handle so much of it. I believe some of this male/female activity is being pushed on the kids to make them gay or to cause confusion. 
seems like no one can say much about it anymore either.
Some things are innocent, and some things are just inappropriate.
I would be mad as hell if anyone painted my sons nails. Creative expression is one thing… 
agree to disagree.
I have seen everyone dogging the stepfather. The biological father felt the same way. But suddenly only stepdad is wrong. And shame on yall. It is not just up to the mother. The other parents in this boys life get a say and get to be validated in how they feel about it too. And for the stepdad…not everyone can step in to help raise someone elses child. Parents whether biological or step will always have disagreements on certain topics when it comes to raising a child. If they dont have differing opinions than you dont have 2 parents you have a controlling parent and pushover parent. You cannot judge the character of a person bc they do not want their son to have nail polish on. You are all pathetic.
2 Likes
This this almost exact same scenario happen at my house a few months back. Except I was the one that painted my youngest sons nails. I was doing my nails he asked if I would do his. I said sure buddy! He went to proudly show his dad, his dad flipped! Said take that sh*t off right now!!! I told my son to go play in his room. I lost it on my husband I feel strong about self expression and for him to hurt his sons feelings like that was not ok. My husband was raised by mostly his grandpa and let’s just say he thought I lot differently than I do. Anyways my husband finally saw my side. Apologized to our son and asked to see his nails again. Now my husband doesn’t ever say anything negative every time I do my son’s nails.
My boyfriend of four years the only father my son has known has a HUGE issue with this and my son liking the color pink and having pink or girly things. BUT I never caved. My son loved rainbow dash and had a stuffy of her he carried everyday. He brought her to school and was called gay and homo and fag by kids…he was in kindergarten. He threw rainbow dash out. First grade he wanted his nails done and my boyfriend protested but I painted my son’s nails. All the girls at his school liked them but the boys called him a girl and told him he was secretly a girl and wanted to be a girl and made fun of him. He came home and demanded I remove the polish. He was in first grade. My son is in second grade, he was wearing my llama socks and changed his shoes and the boys made fun of him. My boyfriend is so against it because he knows kids will bully him. And that’s exactly what the kids did. My son has since refused to do or wear anything that might be girly. Kids are mean.
Good grief! He’s a kid! Him doing this isnt a big deal. I have 2 boys and a girl. Had a step son and daughter for years. Now have an 8 yr old step son. My boys hqve asked me to paint a nail or foot so coukd see what it was like … Put my high heels on and walked around the house cause liked the clicking noise. Doesnt mean it will make a boy gay cause does it for a minute. And if they were gay or whatever else… Nothing wrong with them deciding that for themselves when older. Some men get so bent out of shape. But my girls in return… Wore dads hat… Wanted to wear dad boots around house too qnd asked for a tie to be done on their neck… And put shaving cream on their face when dad was also shaving…and NOTHING wrong with THAT either… Doesnt MAKE anyone gay for seeing what someone else does is like.
Ppl sayibg for u to leave your husband. Stupid. But he shouldn’t yell. Maybe talk to the kid and see why he likes it. And saying the bio dad should ONLY enjoy sons time with him only. Stupid. Dad is a parent and shoukd be involved in everything. Dads are just as important as moms.
1 Like
Wow! I would never take a man’s side over my child’s! I would’ve said some really harsh words to that man… and to you, if I knew you for backing done and not defending your son…
He’s 7… it’s nail polish. Sounds like your husband is a bully. What if your son has a daughter one day? He will be able to paint her nails and let her paint his. Or what if he just likes it?
You are the mom. You do not have to do anything The step or bio dad says. If you did not want to remove the nail polish you did not have to. Children pick up on behaviors and activities and they want to be a part of those activities too. I personally do not see anything wrong with your son wearing nail polish. The step dad is just that a step dad. He has no right to demand anything. Even if he is paying the bills. Stand your ground because if you don’t things will escalate.
Your child should come BEFORE any dam* man!!!
I think you’re screwing up your kid by encouraging him to do girly stuff, next he’s going to want to get his penis swapped for girl parts. That’s just my opinion.
Leave your husband, ignore your idiot ex, and take your son to get his nails done!!
2 Likes
I can’t believe you’d let him tell you what to do. Nothing wrong with and can’t believe that his dad backed your husband up. Idiots
4 Likes
Yikes, so many homophobic ass clowns here. Just say you’re homophobic and a bigot. Toxic masculinity is gross. Grow up.
2 Likes
Eff them i would have kept it on !
When my grandson was three he was putting his moms powder on and acting like he was putting on lipstick. This is what he saw HER do everyday! Today he is 16 and football player and ALL boy! Let him have his fun, don’t make a big deal, and he will move on. Shaming him makes him think HE did something wrong! If your daughter had picked up a hammer and started building a birdhouse would he have screamed at her? As Dr Phil says, children have a unique way of making everything wrong THEIR fault! It was no big deal! He blew it out of proportion!
1 Like
And you proceeded to shame him by removing it ? Wtf
1 Like
My husband, who is very straight i might add, painted his nails off and on as an adolescent. He’s now very artistic and paints canvas instead. Young children like to mimic those around them, doesn’t mean anything about his budding sexuality.
I agree with the people who are saying you missed an opportunity to back your son up in his choices. There could be a lesson in bullying and teaching him to say “my painted nails don’t hurt you, why do you care what i do?”
If youre truly looking to compromise with husband and father, you can also take the opportunity to say there’s a time and a place for things to be appropriate. Maybe try color street or something thats easily removable and make it an at home activity
2 Likes
Not gonna lie I freaked out when my little sister done my sons nails she said to me he wanted them done what was I supposed to say and it shut me up I just asked will u please use black next time
They don’t see it as girlish at the age your hubby need to grow up
5 Likes
Tell them both to get fucked. Your son comes first mate
My sons away to be 7 and my partners daughter is away to be 9 and they both sit in the room. Doing eachothers make up and dressing up ect, and she will play what he likes, cars toy guns the lot. I leave them to it cause there happy And that makes me happy. Xx
6 Likes
Some of you women make me sick. I hope y’all don’t have kids if you can’t allow them to be themselves. Send your kids my way, I’ll love them no matter what & I’ll paint their nails for them. 
7 Likes
I would never put a husbands feelings over my child’s. My child! My job to make him or her happy. Period . End of story. If they don’t like…they can leave!
6 Likes
I would say " nail polish has chemicals in it, like poison. Only grown up kids can wear it". And leave it at that.
4 Likes
Repaint your sons nails. Tell your husband and your sons biological father to grow the fuck up and stop being homophobic dicks. Both my sons did this. One is not gay and one is. Nail polish does not create non straight males. Don’t ever let these adult males tell you how to raise your boy. Stand up and protect him.
I completely feel that nails painted and lipstick are things for girls not boys. My son is curious about my make up all the time and I tell him its for mommy, for girls and such and he understands… I let him play with the brushes and stuff while I do my make up. My husband has the same stance. My son is 3 years old. Everyone has different views on this. Try to do what’s best for you and your son! Communicate with your husband about it. Good luck!
2 Likes
My husband used to paint his nails. And now he is literally the manliest man I know. He may just be a rockstar one day… would that make it more acceptable for your hubby? 
I’m sure it’s a phase because he has an older step sister, but if it isn’t… you have to support your son. I honestly do not understand people like that. It’s nail polish. As long as he is a good person, what does it matter?
5 Likes
That’s such toxic masculinity. You’re doing your son a disservice by listening to either of those men.
5 Likes
I already know I’m gonna fight with my bf about this with our son.n
My 34 year old son lets his daughters paint his nails all the time.in my opinion your husband is the one with the problem not your son.
1 Like
I am a single mom to a 4 year old and he always ask for me to do his fingers too. He’s just copying what he sees me do. I try to stick with black for him. And before a Karen says something about polish being toxic or something like that is the stick on color (CS).
2 Likes
Nail varnish x Harry Styles
Brad!! Nail varnish x
1 Like
If the boy wants them painted then let him 
it’s a stigma that needs to pisss off that men cant wear it. Sooo many famous men wear it. I could be here all day posting photos to you but I dont want to fill up the comments 
hope this helps a little xx
2 Likes
It’s the homophobia for me
2 Likes
Wow… so is he gonna act like that if your son is gay or trans? That is disgusting behavior for an adult…
5 Likes
Fingernail polish is as much for girls as washing dishes and doing laundry. Some people seem to rigidly uphold what they assume to be gender norms but really it’s just male fragility. Little boys, especially boys of single moms with sisters, are going to have fun and be comfortable with what they see their role models doing. It really has nothing to do with sexuality at that very young age…if you feel that bad about it momma paint his nails and have a talk with the husband. We don’t ever need to belittle our kids for something as harmless as nail polish.
3 Likes
Its fricken nail polish…
Nail polish does not have sexuality. My fiance lets my daughter paint his nails, the only thing he says is the sparkly ones can only go on his toes😂 And my fiance is like a manly man.
Let your son express himself. I can promise you nail polish doesnt turn boys gay…
7 Likes
It doesn’t mean anything sexual. He picked your favourite colour because he loves you. My son used to put on my clothes when he was young and he is not gay or bi or trans…its a love for a mother. Nothing more.
4 Likes
I mean, my boyfriend lets both of my girls paint his nails
1 Like
My son is 2 and he loves getting his nails painted so he can say the colors out loud. My daughter paints his nails and he always get excited and say the colors to his aunts and uncles
1 Like