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A Dad’s Heartwarming Response to His Son’s Little Mermaid Doll
By: Jenna Parker
Updated: Aug. 25, 2015
Last month, four-year-old Max received a duplicate gift at his birthday party, so his dad, Ryan, took him to the toy store to exchange it. Max decided on a Little Mermaid Barbie. Ryan’s reaction? “Awesome!” He shared, “I let my kids choose their own paths in life. That’s how my partner and I roll. We just say ‘Whatever.’ Pick your own interests, express yourself, and embrace who you are.”
The short video of this moment has racked up over 14 million views since it was posted. It’s easy to see why — the message is one we all need to hear. As parents, we often need to remind ourselves that our kids are their own individuals, with unique passions and interests. Our role is to support and nurture their choices rather than shape them into our own vision.
Max and his sibling might not fully grasp the significance of their dad’s words, but the love behind them is palpable. Their excitement in response to Ryan’s energy is truly heartwarming. Ryan told ABC News, “I’m overwhelmed and genuinely thrilled by the attention it’s received. It’s incredible to witness how this message resonates globally, affirming the need for people to feel free to be themselves.”
This need for acceptance is something we all share, regardless of age. Ryan has received tons of positive feedback about his interaction with Max, though some negativity has surfaced too. But why focus on that? We can choose to celebrate the supportive voices instead.
“I promise you both — sitting in this car right now, I will always love and accept you, no matter what path you take in life,” Ryan said. And really, that’s what parenting is all about!
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In summary, Ryan’s genuine and loving response to his son’s choice serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acceptance and individuality in parenting. It’s all about encouraging our kids to be true to themselves, and that’s a lesson worth sharing!