I decided to buy my 2-year-old son a tiara for the same reason I picked up the adorable dinosaur shirt he adored at the local store. It’s also the motivation behind gifting him the fairy doll his friend Sam has. We’ve even been on a quest for superheroes online, and soon he’ll have an impressive collection—don’t worry, buddy, Wonder Woman and Aquaman will be here soon!
I got him the tiara because it sparked genuine joy in him, and I believe it’s essential to encourage his natural curiosity at this age. He’s at a stage where he can immerse himself in imaginative play, exploring the world with wonder and excitement.
The day I bought the tiara, I was also on a mission to find him new shoes. As I hurried through the aisles, trying to convince him to try on a pair of sneakers, his eyes lit up at the sight of the pink tiara shimmering on the shelf. He exclaimed how much he loved it because it was pink and “spawkly” and “bootiful.” I handed it over for him to hold, and suddenly, he was still enough for me to check if the sneakers fit—thankfully, they did! After we wrapped up, we headed to the register, where we purchased both the tiara and sneakers.
Living in a progressive area surrounded by friends and family who embrace individuality makes me grateful. Here, it’s perfectly fine for a little boy to wear a tiara, collect fairy dolls, and claim pink and purple as his favorite colors. I cherish the sight of him walking through the mall, proudly wearing his tiara until it mischievously landed on his grilled cheese sandwich and he decided it was time for a break.
But let me be clear: if anyone had dared to make a negative remark about his choice, I would have unleashed my inner lioness (even though I’m generally not confrontational). It frustrates me to see children boxed into rigid gender roles from such a young age. It’s maddening that I felt even a hint of apprehension while he wore that tiara or admired a pair of high-heeled shoes at the store.
At this moment, he is a blank canvas concerning gender norms. I want his understanding of beauty and joy to stem from within, not from societal expectations dictating what boys and girls should enjoy. I recognize that as he grows and interacts more with peers, he will inevitably encounter ideas about gendered toys and clothing, and he may feel pressure to conform.
I’m unsure where he will land once that happens. If he chooses to embrace more traditional preferences, I will support him wholeheartedly. I understand the need to belong, and most children eventually find comfort in their assigned gender categories. In fact, like many kids, he might eventually move past his interest in tiaras and princesses.
However, if he continues to cherish pink, frilly, and sparkly things despite any peer pressure, I’ll stand by him without hesitation. And if anyone dares to criticize him for it, my protective instincts will be ready to pounce—you better believe it!
For more insights on parenting and supporting individuality, check out our other piece on home insemination, which offers a unique perspective on family planning. You can also explore this guide that dives into home insemination kits as a resource for aspiring parents. Additionally, consider visiting Wikipedia for a comprehensive overview of in vitro fertilization.
Summary:
In this heartfelt reflection, Laura Thompson shares her experience of purchasing a tiara for her young son, emphasizing the importance of nurturing his interests and individuality. She expresses gratitude for a supportive environment that allows her child to explore his preferences without the constraints of gender stereotypes, while also acknowledging the inevitable societal pressures he may face as he grows.