An important lesson ... By Rai

For anyone who doesn't know Rai, he definitely loves color and Hello Kitty (although he calls her "Kitty-chan" which is her name in Japanese). He has had a rough year wanting to wear colors which may be associated as a "girl color" and has had to make difficult decisions, especially for a 4-year old, about who his friends really are and what he will wear to school. Primrose has a dress code for their Pre-Kindergarden and Kindergarden class which consists of a red shirt and blue or cream pants. Rai will sometimes sneak in a red Hello Kitty belt or Hello Kitty socks and has occasionally been upset that some boys will tell him he's wearing a girl belt or socks. We talk about it the harsh culture of boys versus girls and why some people say mean things. He's certainly a trooper, though, and has started to stand up for himself because he's decided he wants to wear those things to school. I have to say, I would have never done this as a child. I was far too shy to wear something that stood out, so I'm supportive of his decision.

Yesterday evening, we went to the store in search of new socks and ended up with another discussion. Imagine two aisles of socks: one aisle with bright pink, purple, red, and neon socks and the other with white, blue, and black socks. Here is a brief recap:

Rai: I want those socks!! (points to the pink socks which say "love")
Me: Why those socks?
Rai: Because they say "Love".
Me: Okay, Rai. I want you to look at both sides and remember that some people think there are girls and boys socks. Which side do you think some people think are only for boys?
Rai: That side with the boring colors.
Me: Yeah. Why do you think they're boring?
Rai: It's just white and black. It's not fair. Girls get all the colors. I just want socks that say love.
Me: *sigh* I know, but what do you think some of the boys will say at school? Do you think they might make fun of you if you wear these?
Rai: Yes, but they're not my friends then.
Me: *sigh* Ok. You can get them, but remember you have white socks in your backpack if you change your mind.
Rai: Ok. Deal! Now, let's get the "Love" socks! OHHH! They have purple, too!

So, we got the neon package (pink, purple, green, yellow, and light blue). Rai's school asked that the kids wear purple for one of the storybook character's birthdays, so Rai pulled out his purple socks and proudly paraded around the house practicing what he would say if anyone said something mean. "Hey! If you don't like my socks, you're not my friend, and I don't want to play with you!" I couldn't help but hug him and take a picture of our new socks.

Yes, Rai talked me into Hello Kitty socks. :-)

Thank you, Rai, for teaching me an important lesson about being who you are, regardless of what other people think. So proud!