Here’s to the Quirky Kids, the Oddballs, and the Geeks

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It’s the moment I’ve been dreading yet anticipating: my 14-year-old daughter’s first YouTube appearance. She’s sporting a plaid bow tie over her My Chemical Romance tee, and her hair is styled in a way that’s reminiscent of a young Paul McCartney (we’re talking late ’60s vibes, not the Wings era). With one hand, she activates the camera and steps back for the full effect.

“Ahem.” She clears her throat, bows slightly like a little diva, and prepares her penny whistle, which happens to be her brother’s. Without any warning, she dives right in.

For the next two minutes, I watch as she enthusiastically plays Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up.” My cheeks flush as I cringe, half-hiding my face. She thinks she’s hilarious, and maybe she is, but oh boy, is it tough to watch!

While I genuinely admire her unique flair, a sudden wave of anxiety washes over me. The thought of her ever having a boyfriend—or even a date—freaks me out. A girl with black hair and 80s pop music obsessions probably isn’t the most popular choice in high school.

But once she finishes, and I’m left with the echoes of her quirky performance, I can’t help but feel a swell of pride.

She’s unapologetically herself, a vibrant individual who dances to her own beat, even if that beat is coming from a three-dollar instrument. Sure, she’s a bit of a dork, but she’s my dork, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Watching her reminded me of my own teenage years, which were filled with my own brand of eccentricity. I was a drum major in marching band, a serial crush on the percussionists, and a self-proclaimed poet. My hair was a wild, poodle-like afro, and throughout middle school, I endured the embarrassment of wearing a lip bumper (seriously, don’t look it up).

My first kiss involved an awkward moment of “Oh, wait, let me just—SLUUURRRP. Now I’m ready. Where do we put our tongues?” I had that undeniable charm, or as the French say, a certain je ne sais quoi—and yes, I used to throw in random French phrases for kicks.

Watching my daughter go all out with her rendition of Rick Astley made me anxious, but it also sparked a deep sense of pride. In that spirit, let’s take a moment to celebrate all the quirky kids out there.

Here’s to the Unique Kids

Here’s to the unique kids, the oddballs, the nerds, the dorks, and the classroom creatives. Here’s to the ones who raise their hands when they know the answers, the boys who doodle Pokémon in their notebooks, and the emo girls with their striking fishnets.

Let’s applaud the percussion section in the marching band, the kids on the Debate Team, and the boy in the all-girls choir belting out show tunes. Here’s to the kid who built a model of Jamestown in his basement for extra credit.

And while we’re at it, here’s to the incredible moms. To the mom who stands proud while her son carries his Barbie to school, the one who sits in the bleachers long after the crowd has left, waiting for her daughter to finish her race. Here’s to the mom who holds her tongue when her daughter decides to dye her hair black or line her eyes with purple.

Three cheers for all of us—because life with quirky kids is never boring. Sure, it might be easier without the unpredictability, but it wouldn’t be nearly as fun.

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In summary, let’s cherish the quirky kids and the moms who support them. They bring a unique joy to our lives that’s irreplaceable.