Everyone is Talking
About the woman who was criticized for letting her 3-year-old son wear a Frozen princess dress while out in public.
Why do I care?
The story is generating a lot of conversation about whether toys should remain gender specific and whether we should we be encouraging boys to stick with things like trucks and superheroes, and girls with dolls and princesses.
Tell me more.
Haylee Bazen, mother to 3-year-old Zackary was recently out with her son who decided to wear his Frozen dress-up dress for the occasion. While waiting at a bus stop, a stranger took it upon themselves to comment on her son’s dress, assuming that the mom was using it as a form of punishment. When Bazen told her that no, it was not a punishment, the woman told her she should be ashamed of herself for letting her son wear a princess dress.
Haylee took to Facebook to share her thoughts on the incident which has since been shared over 31,000 times. In part she says in the post, ” Zackary is my 3 year old son and he can be who he wants to be…He plays with cars and dolls, princesses and pirates. He rides his scooter or pushes his pram. He wears zombie face painting or lip stick and if he choose to wear a dress he can!!”
Since her Facebook post has gone viral, Haylee has said, “I hope that people can learn to be more accepting of other people, nobody should be made to feel ashamed to wear what makes them happy; as adults we assign a gender to clothing, hobbies or professions, children don’t do that. Children like what they like.”
Rock on Zackary. Snow White is one of our favorite princesses too.
In the Trenches
Imagine you’re sitting in a Starbucks enjoying your coffee only to overhear a group of teen girls gossiping about the shortcomings of their peers. Imagine a sense of deja vu as every bad cliche from Mean Girls is being acted out before your eyes – ok that may be a slight exaggeration. But, would you speak up? One woman did after overhearing three girls go on and on about their peers in a negative light. Michelle Icard did better than we would have by choosing the ‘kill with kindness’ mantra. She sent Frappuccinos their way along with the following note:
“Hi Girls!
“I sat near you today in Starbucks and listened as you talked. You three are obviously pretty and hard-working. I wish your kindness matched your pretty exteriors. I heard you talk about a girl who sang a song about being lonely in the talent show – and you laughed. About a girl who couldn’t be lead singer because you got all the votes, about crappy presents other people have given you…and you sounded so mean and petty.
“You are smart and you are pretty. It would take nothing from you to also be kind. – M.”
While she realizes they may not have cared about her efforts, she hoped it would give them pause about their behavior. She says, “Normally, I wouldn’t focus on a girl’s appearance like this, but in this case, I thought it was important to speak their language before I delivered my point.”
We dig that she spoke up. Perhaps they will take a pause and self- reflect. We can hope.
Your Digital Kid
Our kids are facing new challenges as they grow up in the digital age and many are facing age-old trials and tribulations like depression, anxiety, and more. Five years ago, a crisis manager received a text that would put the organization on the path of creating a new service, one that aimed to give them support in a way that speaks their digital language – through a texting line.
Five years ago, a teen found a way to text a crisis manager at DoSomething.org, “He won’t stop raping me. He told me not to tell anyone.” When they asked (via text) who, the person stated, “It’s my dad.” After that day, they realized they needed to create a tool that met the needs of teens today. Over the last three years, since their launch, the text line has exchanged over 7.5 million text messages with teens and adults.
The goal of Crisis Text Line is to offer easier access to support for people in crisis. By simply texting START to 741-741, teens (and adults) can begin receiving counseling via their phones. According to their website, this line is available to anyone at anytime. Here’s how it works:
- Text 741-741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis.
- A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds quickly.
- The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment
Trending Plate
Looking to put a spin on some old barbecue favorites? We’ve got you covered. These traditional favorites offered up with a fresh spin are going to be a big hit at your next get together:
Parting Thoughts
What’s the greater risk? Letting go of what people think – or letting go of how I feel, what I believe, and who I am?
Thanks to Brene Brown for helping us keep perspective on those external toxic forces in the form of our peers and perceived obligations.
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