This dad knew exactly what to say when his son asked for a mermaid doll for his birthday.

[RKP5637]

Excellent!!!
http://www.upworthy.com/this-dad-knew-exactly-what-to-say-when-his-son-asked-for-a-mermaid-doll-for-his-birthday?c=upw1&u=60ac1b338bbda6986b6cc1ea39c4a30877a3952b

Some dads wouldn't be cool with their sons playing with Little Mermaid dolls or, you know, playing with dolls at all. But after a few chuckles, both Willis and Azai yell happily, "Yeah!"

Because this is great.

Willis decided to support his son's decision to get whatever toy he wanted, without letting gender stereotyping get in the way. And — judging by the outpouring of support in the video's comments section — he's not alone in encouraging his son to like what he likes, stereotypes be damned.

The video — which Willis captured after a trip to the toy store for Azai to swap out one of his birthday presents — is gathering steam online. In just about two days, it's already garnered more than 236,000 views.

[jonno99]

1. Cool dad!

Of course the kid will probably put the doll in the back of his Tonka truck and send it off a jump...

[Hoppy]

2. Great video. Who wouldn't like the Little Mermaid?

By the way,

Logon to "This American Life."

Search for "The Little Mermaid." Listen to the best `15 minutes of radio, ever.

[ladyVet]

3. That's a good dad.

My sons played with dolls, trucks, stuffed toys, play army gear, science kits or whatever else they found interesting. My two oldest loved my Barbies to death. I still mourn the loss of that 70s Corvette, though. Man.

[Gothmog]

4. This is a great story and that is a great dad