My Tom Boy

My middle child is a natural tom boy. It’s a huge contrast from my very girly girl oldest. The other day, we went shopping for new shoes. My middle has hit a foot growth spurt and has an opinion on what she wears now. We went to a store to pick out some outside shoes that can take her jumping, dragging feet and bike riding skills.

The lady brought out the shoe we selected in the color we selected, and another one in bright pink. She was convinced we selected the ‘boy’ color by accident and went on to tell me that she was sure that all girls wear pink.

If it was my oldest’s turn to pick out shoes – yes we would have gone pink. Probably with glitter on them as well! My middle was determined to not have pink. She polity said “no thank you” and then stated again how she wanted the black shoes. The sales lady then tried to talk to her, showing her how pretty the pink shoes were and how they were better than the black.

I find it curious how most people have told me or tried to change my little one’s mind when she picks items that are ‘boy’ toys or clothes. Does it really matter? I have hit the stage of motherhood where all I want is my girls to have proper clothes and shoes on when we head out. I no longer care if one is in full sparkle skirts and one in a rider jersey. They are dressed, they are warm and happy. I no longer fight with them to put on clothes I think they should wear, within reason.

Full ball gowns don’t work well for days we are bike riding and no holes in clothes for school days. Past that, I don’t think there is a reason to try and convince one to be not so girly or one to be more girly.

Should I be trying to make my tom boy a girly girl? Does it really matter?