Each of my kids has had a thing along the way. Big went through a phase where he would only wear mis-matched shoes — usually two different colored Crocs. Little? When he couldn’t decide between outfits, he’d just put on everything he felt like wearing — at once. One Christmas Eve, he piled on twelve shirts. Yes, twelve.
While the boys certainly continue to have their opinions about what they wear (no, I’m not the one who picks out those horrible sports shorts every. single. day.) and how things should be done, Pink is making them look like shrinking violets.
This girl has a mind of her own. Last week, she insisted a (pretty snug) bathing suit was the proper attire for a rainy day at school. And while Huggies would have her wearing princesses and pink because she’s a girl, she insisted on buying the blue Lightning McQueen Pull Ups last time we were at the store. (You know, the same week she asked Lenny to buy her a princess baseball bat.)
It can certainly be frustrating to have kids who dance (and dress and eat and move and potty train) to a different beat, but it’s also pretty cool. I love that these little people have such huge opinions and believe that they should be heard. I love that when everyone zigs, my kids zag. I call it character. And my kids happen to be full of it. (Character that is. A bit of the other “it” too, sometimes. But mostly character.)
I don’t know if I’m doing it right, giving them so much authority to make their own decisions. But I like to think that I’m empowering them. To feel that their way of seeing the world and their place in it has value. To speak up for how they feel and what they want. To know that I love them — especially their creativity, willpower, and unique style. (Well, most of the time.)
Knowing her as I do, it’s no surprise to me that Pink has a new favorite book. She’s been carrying it around and asking me (and Big and Little and our nanny) — no begging us — to read it over and over and over. It’s called The Perfect Shade of Green by Brian Barlics.
It’s a charming children’s story about a chameleon who — no matter what everyone else does — refuses to blend in. Um, I think Pink relates. And I have to admit, I think Cami’s pretty darn cool too. So not only will I continue to read the book, I’ll continue to let my little girl run and play and dress as she wants to. Because I think she’s got a wonderful spirit about her, and who am I to stop her from sharing it with everyone she meets?
*Giveaway*– Because I think The Perfect Shade of Green has a great message for all kids, I’m hosting a giveaway. To enter for a chance to win a copy of the book, signed by author, Brian Barlics, leave a comment on this post by Tuesday, April 15th at 11:59pm PDT. Tell me, what does your little one do that stands out? Or do you wish your little one didn’t try so hard to blend in? One winner will be chosen at random. Good luck to all, and a special thank you to Brian for working with me on this giveaway!
Disclosure: I was sent a copy of The Perfect Shade of Green for review purposes. All opinions are my own. This post includes an Amazon affiliate link which I only use to promote products I truly love.
Brian, best of luck in your your next book! My daughter loves your first! Hope all is well! Mary
My little girl is in love with Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter. No Hermione for her – she’d rather be Draco anyday – complete with her striped tie slytherin cape! Her angel of a first grade teacher even let her wear this questionable attire to school, building her confidence immensely and ensuring our undying love and devotion!! My girl definitely doesn’t blend in and I think she would LOVE this book! After all, the Slytherin house colors is green 😉
Congratulations, Sarah! You’re the lucky winner of this giveaway (Random.org picked 2, and as the 2nd comment, you win!). I’ll be in touch via email with details. Thanks for sharing your awesome one-of-a-kind girl with me!
My used-to-be-girly girl LOVES to wear baseball uniforms to school. Last year, when I finally got through the message that footy pj’s weren’t appropriate for kindergarten, she instead chose her dad’s old baseball pants (yes, we still have them), her brother’s old team jersey, and any old cap she can find — with a preference for the A’s. This year, now that she’s on her own team, she also adds the baseball uniform belt and kind of rocks it, if you ask me. Despite the fact that all her friends are still into pink and dresses and princesses and ballet, my girl has a mind — and style — all her own. Yea!
Well, I have four little ones (two little and two not so little:). One thing that my four-year-old son, which stands out is that he wants to wear ties to school! Usually it is with a nice botton-down shirt, but he has even gone so far as to wear a tie with a t shirt. Last week they had Wacky day at school, and he decided to dress backwards with his tie in the back…oh boy did this get him attention.