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I Don't Have a Girly-Girl...And That's OK

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"What grade is your son in?" a mom at the gym asks. "My daughter is in 4th," I casually reply. I assure the poor woman there's no need to worry.

It doesn't phase her. She's used to it.

When this kid was a toddler, funny enough, she lived in princess costumes and pink tutus were busting out of every drawer. Even though kicking a ball and swinging from monkey bars were always favorite pastimes, back then~frilly accessories were plentiful and pants were obsolete. (Flashback to hog-tying Said toddler to put on pants when temps dropped below 40 degrees)!

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Fast forward~as she prepares to turn 11...

She still likes to over accessorize to the enth-degree... but now in the form of mis-matched Star Wars or Harry Potter socks, sports tights and trucker hats, often looking like a cross between a circus performer and skate rat.

It's not gender plural; or gender fluidity; or gender neutral. She's being herself~ and for now prefers: green and navy, basketball and Ninja Warrior, and the clothes in the boys section at Old Navy.

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She likes board shorts. Skull caps. Skateboards.

And, who cares?

She's also compassionate. Intelligent. Empathetic. And kind.

I believe a kid (boy or girl) can be all those things. And still wear pants or bows. Do ballet or shoot hoops...

Or be a combination of all those things and more.

Being authentic is key. And learning that at a young age is golden.

For this kid, it's not about being a girl. Or boy. It's viewing life without limits and not falling for stereotypes.

She isn't a girl wanting to be a boy. She is a girl who wants to be herself

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