As I hurriedly prepare breakfast on a bustling weekday morning, I present my daughter with a few outfit choices: “We’ve got these new bell-bottoms with a red tank top, jelly bean leggings, or this adorable purple dress.” With only a couple of minutes to spare, I give my little girl the chance to express her preferences.
“Purple dress!” she exclaims, her face lighting up with joy. Internally, I cringe. A dress? Of course, she would go for the twirling, floral-patterned number. It’s a classic stereotype, and she embodies it perfectly.
As I help her into the dress and button it up, I can’t help but watch her happily twirl down the hallway. If I’m being honest, I struggle with her affinity for frilly outfits and sparkly shoes. Princess sneakers? Not my favorite. The fact that she chooses tutus over pants drives me a bit crazy. I find myself questioning whether I’ve instilled the right values in her. How can I embrace her choices when they seem to contradict what I believe?
In stark contrast, my older daughter has a decidedly different style. I adore her fashion sense—edgy and gender-neutral, with a love for blue and Converse sneakers. I often praise her for being unique and cool, which highlights the disparity in how I react to the two of them. This inconsistency weighs on me.
The relationship between feminism and fashion is complicated; some argue that indulging in fashion undermines feminist principles, while others believe it can be a form of self-expression. It’s a tough balance to strike. Society often perpetuates the notion that rejecting beauty norms is the only path to authenticity, which can feel suffocating. I grapple with my own insecurities about aging and beauty standards. Admitting I don’t like my post-baby body doesn’t make me any less of a feminist, nor does my desire to color my hair or wear makeup.
Ultimately, my youngest daughter’s love for sparkly attire should not be shamed. Wanting to look beautiful doesn’t diminish her worth or make her any less intelligent or capable. She enjoys pretty things, just as I do. It’s important to remember that caring about fashion or appearance doesn’t define one’s character or values.
My daughter is so much more than her wardrobe. She cares about winning at Twister, sipping chocolate milk through a fun straw, and being a good friend. Her love for dresses and sparkles is simply a part of who she is, not a reflection of her depth or worth. Instead of berating myself for her choices, I should celebrate her individuality.
So, if she wants to wear twirly dresses and sport sparkly headbands, that’s perfectly fine. Her unique style is her way of expressing herself, and who am I to judge? If it takes her a little longer to get ready in the morning, so be it. She’s marching to her own beat, and I choose to respect that.
It’s crucial to understand that embracing our appearance doesn’t mean we care about nothing else. I care deeply about my daughter, social issues, and the world around me. Caring about looks is just one facet of our identities.
For more insights on parenting and navigating your child’s choices, check out this related post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re interested in at-home insemination solutions, Make a Mom offers reputable options. For those seeking further information on pregnancy and insemination, UCSF is an excellent resource.
Summary
Embracing our children’s unique preferences, even if they lean toward traditional gender norms, is essential. Let’s celebrate individuality rather than shame it, allowing for self-expression without guilt.
Leave a Reply