My Princess Boy

My Princess Boy a book by Cheryl Kilodavis in regards to her five year old Dyson Kilodavis who enjoys dressing up as a girl. A beautiful little boy who look as if he would be more comfortable at play with my four year old daughter then playing football. Dyson’s mom Cheryl in the beginning tried to softly redirect him to play with more male toys, dress up and masculine play. Her acceptance of her son’s behavior was sparked by his older brother who wanted her to just let his younger brother be himself and be happy. The love and acceptance of his brother will help his self esteem as he grows older. Her family’s story is truly of love and acceptance I applaud all her efforts.

While watching the video it was amazing to me watching a male of color accept his son as he is. I know it must be a hard thing for him to accept watching your young son dress up in pink tutus and sparkling things. Afraid of how the world will see him and if he will ever be loved and accepted for who he is. Dyson is just a little boy who enjoys dressing up in what society considers feminine. It amazed me at this family who love there son enough to be comfortable with letting him express himself in a non conventional way. Watching them reinforced for me how much children need the love and acceptance of family. To help them grow happy, health and to love themselves even if it maybe a bit out of the box.

I am one of those people of the mind set that young people early own in life know themselves. Their likes, dislikes are very in tuned with themselves and how they would like to express themselves. I do believe at a young age children have an inclination of liking boys or girls, and if they feel more comfortable relating with a gender then another. Society, family, friends, television and religion try to mold us into what they believe is more acceptable and correct. As a parent wanting true happiness for our child should be what is more important then if society is uncomfortable.

Watching the smiles on my girl’s faces will lift a dark cloud on a bad day any time. I wish the Kilodavis family all the luck in parenting happy, health, and loving children which is what they our doing.  Sharing their story hopefully helps parents who might be going through the same situation and perhaps inspire others who our not to be more accepting of different.  Hopefully this book will help increasing understanding of children who not only step outside of the box but stand on it smiling proudly.

Reference

HLN, Dr. Drew (2011, April 19). Princess Boy. Retrieved April 20, 2011, from http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/living/2011/04/19/drew.princess.boy.hln?hpt=C2

My Princess Boy (2010). Retrieved April 20, 2011 from http://www.myprincessboy.com/index.asp