Today’s journey was all about finding new school shoes for my son, Leo—a task he usually dreads, while I find it quite delightful. Shoe shopping is a thrill for me, but for him, it often feels like a chore.
Having a background in navigating the world of children’s footwear with Leo, I make it a point to be attentive and aware during our outings. As we approached the shoe aisles, I noticed we would be passing the “girls’” section before reaching the “boys’” styles.
When we strolled past the vibrant pinks, purples, and sparkly options, I could see Leo’s face light up. His small frame instinctively leaned toward those dazzling shoes, but he quickly caught himself and continued toward the boys’ section. I asked him several times if he wanted to stop and look, but he remained hesitant.
As we moved through the boys’ shoes, trying on various styles, his responses were lackluster. He would slip them on, walk around, and after a moment of silence, he’d shrug and mutter, “They’re okay.” It was clear he was merely going through the motions, not genuinely enjoying the experience. This made me reflect on how early children learn what they are “allowed” to like based on societal expectations.
In our home, we embrace all colors and styles without judgment, yet here he was, seemingly conforming to norms that don’t resonate with him. This reminded me of a quote from Glennon Doyle’s book Untamed: “Ten is when we learn to be good girls and real boys.” It struck me that my son was beginning to hide his true self in favor of societal norms, and I realized I was letting this happen.
The voice of worry crept in, asking, “What if he gets teased?” “What if his friends don’t understand?” “What if the world crushes him?” But then I thought, “What if he believes I’m suppressing his true self?”
That thought was powerful enough to prompt action. I dashed around the corner and found the sparkly, holographic high-tops that he had been eyeing. With a hopeful heart, I prayed they had his size.
When I returned to Leo and announced, “Look what I found in your size!” his joy erupted. There were fireworks of laughter, smiles, and a profound sense of relief—it was as if he could finally breathe again. We quickly tossed those shoes into the cart, along with a second pair of pink and black ones for indoor use. He couldn’t wait to get home to show off his new kicks, excitedly declaring he had the perfect shirt and tie to match.
This experience reinforced a significant lesson for me: it’s not just about shoes. It’s about challenging the narratives society has instilled in us and allowing our children to express their true selves. As the saying goes in the new The Chicks song, “You’re of me, not mine. Walk your own crooked line. It’s gonna be alright.”
As his parent, my role is to support him fully, ensuring he knows he can be who he is without fear of judgment. Every small act of rebellion against societal norms is a step toward embracing one’s individuality.
If you’re interested in more stories like this, check out our post on home insemination here. For further insights into insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination, a reliable source on the topic. Additionally, for educational resources on pregnancy, explore Hopkins Medicine.