Dare to be different. But always be kind.

 

My daughter got her ears pierced at the age of 8, a little treat before she made her First Communion. At 11, she had her cartilage pierced. And she's been pushing the line ever since. We have an agreement. You can pierce your body, dye your hair and wear whatever you are comfortable in (within reason). HOWEVER, you must be kind. You must be an includer. You must always look for ways to care for others.

At 13 years old, my child now has two regular piercings which are currently being stretched, one cartilage, two nostrils, one eyebrow and their belly button pierced. Their hair is a pretty shade of pinkish-red. They wear ripped jeans and fishnets, high heels and short shorts, mismatched socks and rings on each finger. They wear makeup and can create a wicked cat-eye. They have asked to be called a gender neutral name and use they/them pronouns. 

All these things are okay by me. Because what you look like and what you are called has no bearing on who you are on the inside. And I love that my child is not afraid to prove that to the world. Dare to be different, my beautiful child!

I know that I will be judged as a parent. I know that my child will be judged for their looks. That's okay with me and that's okay with my child.

Laying in bed last night, I heard a knock on my bedroom door at 11:00 pm. It was my 13 year old. "Mom, can my friend come to spend the night? She just texted to the group chat that she is feeling unsafe at home right now." On that dark road to the friend's house, I felt very proud that my child saw a friend who needed someone and jumped right in to help. "Mom, I'm glad that our house is a safe place for anyone who needs one". Me too, sweet one. Me too. I hope that as you journey through this thing called life that you always dare to be uniquely and beautifully YOU.