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  1. The AtlanticSarah Rich6/11/1814 min
    18 reads6 comments
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    The Atlantic
    18 reads
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    • Pegeen
      Top reader this weekReading streakScoutScribe
      5 years ago

      According to some texts, all evolved species are gender neutral. They include inhabitants of other planets and the angelic realm. (It’s okay if you are already thinking I’m a kook!) I think it’s interesting, during this shift in our consciousness, that this is also happening. Change is difficult for most. We tend to like the familiar, the predictable, the definable. Gender neutrality is new and therefore requires time, compassion, opennesss, understanding, love and a willingness to let go of old, limiting ideas. These parents seem willing to allow their son his own expression which is both brave and loving. Blazing a new path is never easy or necessarily paved with kindness. But we can all do our part within our own small world that we do affect.

    • joanne5 years ago

      I loved this, first I thought what a long way we have come that a boy (outside of Hollywood or NYC) would be comfortable wearing a dress to school. I was surprised that American gender categories are more rigid now than ever in history.
      I agree, advising your son is certainly not bullying, but advice allows the listener to still make his or her own opinion and not feel embarrassed or shameful. Words that might replace cowardly and weak could be sensitive and empowered. I think teaching our children (boys and girls) how to empower themselves however that shows up for them is important. It sounds like that Dad did empower his son. Happy Fathers Day!

    • jamie5 years ago

      Interesting..... but " the first bully was their father" ??? Trying to give your sons the best advice does not seem like being a bully. There are some undeniable things Dads do when raising sons, silly but important.... Teaching a son to have a firm handshake, that kinda stuff. I guess a father should teach a daughter to have a firm handshake also.... I do not know, but I am glad to have read this article. Hopefully I will be a more flexible Grandfather than father..... OH BTW Happy Father's Day everyone, Call your Dads if you would like to.

    • erica5 years ago

      I love how the author was so accepting of her son wearing a unicorn dress to school. I worry that my parental instinct would be "to stifle my son's tendencies" out of a desire to protect him. This article made me more self-aware.

      This is so true: When school officials and parents send a message to children that “boyish” girls are badass but “girlish” boys are embarrassing, they are telling kids that society values and rewards masculinity, but not femininity.

    • chronotope5 years ago

      Very good read.

    • swizco5 years ago

      a must-read