As a child, I was captivated by my mother’s clothing, shoes, and makeup. I would rummage through her closet, selecting outfits for her to wear. Growing up in the ‘80s, she had a treasure trove of silky, sparkly, and poofy garments, not to mention those stunning patent red heels—my absolute favorite! I would eagerly flip through my Young Miss magazine, cutting out and taping pictures of the coolest styles to my bedroom walls.
In 1985, after saving my allowance for what felt like ages, I treated myself to a pair of pink Converse sneakers. My collection of hair bows and scrunchies was rainbow-bright, and by age five, I was desperate to wear pantyhose and blue eyeshadow (though my mom put the brakes on that one). She recognized my affinity for all things girly and let me express myself.
Now, I have a daughter who mirrors my younger self in so many ways, it’s almost eerie. She loves shopping trips with me, picking out outfits, and even directing our poses for photos she takes on my phone. It’s a delightful way for us to connect, and I cherish witnessing her embrace her true self. While some may view fashion as trivial, my daughter finds joy and passion in it, and I feel fortunate that we share this special bond. I hope it will serve as a bridge for us as she navigates the challenging teenage years ahead.
Yes, my daughter is what many would label a “girly girl.” She delights in dressing up, dancing, and has dreams of becoming a fashion designer, a basketball player, and a veterinarian. I wholeheartedly support her endeavors—not just because she reflects my own childhood interests, but because it authentically represents who she is. From an early age, she gravitated toward Barbies, so I welcomed them into our home. I also made sure she had a basketball hoop and toy cars. While she enjoys those too, her heart truly belongs to the more feminine side of life.
If she were a tomboy or preferred quieter activities like reading, I would embrace that just as much. My goal is for all my children to love themselves unconditionally and feel proud of their unique identities. I want to nurture their passions and interests, whatever they may be.
As my kids grow and evolve, I’ll be there to introduce them to new experiences, but I’ll always champion their true passions—the things that ignite their spirits. I never want any of them to feel that their interests are insufficient or unworthy in my eyes; what matters most is that they feel fulfilled by their own choices.
So, I will always stand by my daughter as she explores her identity, no matter how that manifests itself. I want her to know that her love for fashion, experimenting with styles, and caring about her appearance does not diminish her strength or intelligence. I aim to empower her for many reasons, and this is just one of them.
Additionally, I plan to use her fascination with all things “girly” as a teaching moment about true beauty—emphasizing that inner beauty surpasses all else. How we feel about ourselves inwardly is what we project outwardly, no matter if we’re donning a chic outfit or something more casual. That said, I think we can both agree—a fabulous pair of shoes never hurts!
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Summary: Supporting my daughter’s girly interests stems from a desire for her to embrace her individuality. Just as I cherished my own love for fashion as a child, I encourage her passions while instilling the importance of inner beauty. I aim to empower her and help her cultivate a strong sense of self, regardless of how she chooses to express it.