"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)!

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.

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