“Mommy, can I have green hair for picture day?” my 4-year-old, Lily, chirped excitedly. Typically, such requests come from tweens or teens, not preschoolers.
“Maybe we could do something like a braid instead?” I suggested.
“Okay, Mommy. But I really want to look pretty like you.” My heart swelled at that moment.
Three Reasons for My Joy:
- She wants to emulate me (I currently sport green hair).
- She sees me as beautiful.
- She believes I’m beautiful with green hair.
The day for pictures at preschool is fast approaching. The teachers have been reminding us, sending emails, and even placing stickers on our kids’ clothes that scream: PICTURE DAY IS TOMORROW. WEAR BRIGHT COLORS. DON’T FORGET TO SMILE.
Got it. It’s picture day.
Before Lily’s request for green hair, I hadn’t planned on changing her look for the occasion. I figured she’d wear her usual comfy clothes, a messy ponytail, and perhaps some mismatched socks. Honestly, who has time to fuss over hair and outfits? I certainly didn’t plan on waking up early to primp. My own morning routine is packed, which usually just involves a quick swipe of deodorant.
Surprisingly, we often leave the house on time, but picture day was destined to be just another day for her.
However, when Lily asked for green hair, I found myself considering it. The sticker did say, “WEAR BRIGHT COLORS,” after all. We even have leftover green Halloween hair spray from last year stashed away. But I hesitated; it has a tendency to stain everything.
Then there’s option two: I own several jars of Manic Panic hair dye. I could easily dip her ends in a vibrant hue.
Yes, dear readers, I’m aware it sounds a bit extreme to contemplate dyeing my 4-year-old’s hair.
But when your little one wants to mirror you, especially with something as bold as colorful hair, it’s impossible not to feel a little giddy. It’s one thing for her to compliment my accessories or makeup, but when she exclaims, “Mommy, I love your bright red lips!” or “Mommy, your nails are so cool!” it’s a whole different level of sweetness.
In our suburban town, where fashion tends to lean towards capris and flip-flops, I’m the only one sporting such unconventional styles. The only other mom with a colorful look is the one I spotted at story time with purple hair and piercings.
So, does my daughter’s admiration for my bold looks mean I’ll indulge her requests? Absolutely.
Well, maybe I’ll hold off on the lipstick for school—we can save that for the weekend. I’d love to paint her nails in a fun color and maybe even apply some temporary tattoos.
I come from a lineage of creative and accepting mothers. My mom allowed me to express myself freely, even if it meant heading to school with pipe cleaners in my hair or a jewel stuck on my forehead, inspired by Gwen Stefani. It was my way of showcasing who I was, and my mom supported it wholeheartedly.
Truthfully, if it weren’t for the strict rules in my daughter’s school handbook, I wouldn’t hesitate to dye her hair without a second thought. However, I’ve decided to pick my battles with the school system. Many of their policies seem to suppress creativity rather than encourage it.
I feel it’s essential to reward my daughter’s unique perspective on beauty. Green hair could be just the beginning of her journey toward embracing diverse forms of beauty, including different body shapes and skin tones.
This weekend, after picture day, we’ll experiment with green hair chalk and take some fun photos together. No need to fret; the chalk washes out easily. We’ll glam her up with green hair and let her choose whatever she likes, taking silly selfies along the way—all in the name of redefining beauty standards.
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In summary, embracing unconventional beauty in our children can foster acceptance and creativity. Whether it’s colorful hair or unique fashion choices, allowing them to express themselves can positively shape their perceptions of beauty.