There is power in the written word. And as I kid, I was obsessed with that power. I was always reading. Books littered my room ever since I started reading (and before that thanks to an elementary teacher mom), and … Continue reading
This truly is a happy new year over here in Mamafesto land. The book I’ve been working on for a while is finally out there in the world. The Good Mother Myth: Redefining the Narrative to Fit Reality is officially … Continue reading
There is a plethora of books intended for mothers-to-be that line the shelves of bookstores, and more than enough websites targeted to the same demographic. Most of these books and sites regurgitate tried and true advice or trite, cutesy rhetoric, … Continue reading
Actress, neuroscientist, and mama Mayim Bialik can now add author to her impressive list of accomplishments. Her first book, Beyond The Sling: A Real-Life Guide To Raising Confident, Loving Children the Attachment Parenting Way, is currently out in bookstores and … Continue reading
Our neighbors had a young girl, “C,” (age 8) visiting this past weekend and EZ quickly befriended her. They played with some remote control cars, and once the batteries died on those, found other ways to amuse themselves. At one point, I had gone back inside the house, yet could still hear them through the open windows. They seemed to be getting along great, so I was only partially listening until their conversation took a slight turn and grabbed my attention.
C had brought along her bike, which was heavily decorated in a Disney princess theme, and was riding it back and forth on the sidewalk. They began discussing her bike, since EZ was interested in it. He was explaining to her how he liked the princesses on her two-wheeler, and she was attempting to explain how that just couldn’t be.
C: “Girls like pretty things like fairies and princesses.”
EZ: “I like pretty things!!” (I could totally visualize the indignant expression on his face at this point)
C: “Boys like monsters and tattoos and stuff. You’ll understand when you’re older.”
EZ continued to sputter in disbelief, while C continued to explain, despite being obviously exasperated, that boys just don’t like princesses, a fact that EZ will only grasp when he’s older. You know, like eight years old.
At some point, my husband, who had been doing some yard work, interjected his two cents. I listened as he explained how we had a book about a boy who likes to dress as a princesse, and how it is possible for boys to like different things. I loved that teaching moment, and was poised to run out there, My Princess Boy in hand, to have a little story time.
It didn’t happen, though.
By that point, EZ had moved on and was digging in the garden for worms and C was ready to head back home. Before she left, however, she imparted a few more words of wisdom that only an eight year old could share. She directed them at my husband before peddling off on her bike.
“Somebody he’ll have his first tattoo. You’ll see.”
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| And who knows…maybe he will. But not until he’s much older…at least 10! |
In other princess news, we picked the winner of the My Princess Boy give-a-way yesterday. Congrats to Becky (and her kids Maya & Isaac)!
Back in January I came across a video of Cheryl Kilodavis and her son Dyson being interviewed on the Today Show. I watched with rapt interest as Cheryl described her son as “her princess boy,” because of his love of all things pink and frilly. Not only did Cheryl fiercely defend Dyson and his choices, but she went a step further, writing a book to help in the battle for tolerance and understanding.
Cheryl’s book, My Princess Boy, is a short and sweet reminder that while we’re all different, we all want to be accepted just the same as anyone else.
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| My Princess Boy – by Cheryl Kilodavis |
Stumbling upon that clip was more than serendipitous, as I had been working on a post about my own princess boy. It was both comforting and reassuring to see that there were other mamas out there who had similar boys and were just as proud of them as I am of EZ.
As time went by, I was happy to see Cheryl on a few more talk shows and websites, promoting not only her book, but the message of acceptance. I was encouraged by Cheryl’s story and was so happy to see more dialogue about breaking down stereotypical gender boxes, even if it wasn’t neccessarily couched in those terms.
Then, as luck would have it, about a month or so ago, I somehow finagled myself an interview with Cheryl as part of some research I was doing for an upcoming article. Through a flurry of emails with her publicists, we settled on a time and I eagerly awaited our phone date. I had no idea what to expect and what we would talk about beyond the few questions I had for her.
Two hours (and 3 dropped calls) later, I had not only interviewed somebody I deeply respected, but I had gained a friend in the process.
In the world of parenting it can be hard to find folks that share similar thoughts and values, and it can be even harder to find ones that speak so freely and so loudly about them. My Princess Boy is the perfect was to easily share those ideals in a simple, yet powerful manner.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to check this book out, now is the time to do so! I am offering up a free book giveaway for one copy of My Princess Boy. With colorful drawings and a beautiful message, this book is a must-have for those who want to continue to spread the message about unconditional friendship, differences and acceptance. Perhaps you know a Princess Boy in your life or just like to read about princesses in general.
HOW TO ENTER: All you need to do is comment below by Saturday, April 30th. I will randomly select one comment on May 1st as the winner and you will receive a hard copy of My Princess Boy soon after.
*Also – while bits and pieces of my interview with Cheryl made it into the article I’ve written, there was so much more from our chat that I wanted to share, and will be writing up a good chunk of it to post later this week. I found our talk inspiring, and think you will as well, and I hope you come back to check it out!
The Mamafesto 