Be Your Own Robot

My sweet Lulu came home from school yesterday with a book that she had worked on in school about a robot.  Basically the kids used black squares and rectangles on various pages to tell the story of how this little robot transforms himself into others things.  Like on Monday he transforms into a dog, Tuesday a rocket, etc.  You get the idea.  So I'm listening to Gab do her nightly reading and I see Alex going through her robot book and finally get up and leave to head to the kitchen.  When it's her turn to read I finally have to call her in because she is obviously working on something.  She reads through the robot book of course which is cute, but it's the addendum page that she has been working on that catches my interest and puts a huge smile on my face.  

On the back cover of this little blue paper book is a new ending.  One where the robot actually turns back into himself because he likes himself the most.  She even adds that he never will change his shape again.  Then goes on to include, "The moral of the story is never try to be something you are not."  Ok I guess I'll pack up my Mom bag and head out, my work here is done.  Hardly...but when your kid takes it upon themselves to tell a story, realize there could be another ending with a positive message, rework it and then add a "moral", that's just good stuff.

I recently read a friends post on Facebook where she had referenced an article that talked about all the things the author wanted for her child.  It was actually a great article and one that I could totally agree with.  Since the author had a son she didn't really reference image and being proud/loving who you are.  I bring up the fact that she had a son and not a daughter more out of reasoning for why she did feel being true to oneself important enough to make her list. I can image that for most that issue is a female one.  I'm sure males suffer with image and trying to find their way, but females from day one are thrown into those pink tutus and sent down that pink path.

I noticed an interesting change in my oldest daughter around the middle of first grade.  She no longer wanted any dresses, any pink clothing, no frills.  I am a true believer in the individual.  I struggled myself with trying to figure out who I was and what my style was, my vibe, so to speak.  So I am all in support of expressing yourself, as long as we are not wanting to die our hair purple.  Trust me I'm sure that day will come. I'm just not ready for it quite yet.  Well anyways...I went along and swapped the pink for black, removed all traces of cuteness for edgy and followed along on her creative journey to express herself through clothing.  Interestingly enough now in 2nd grade, we are back to wearing dresses, we enjoy pink, and have even been known to sport a bow or two.

It's interesting as a Mom and Woman to watch your girls go through finding their groove.  I would rest easy at night if I knew Alex was always going to walk through life living true to the ending of her robot book.  However, I'm a realist.  I know how strong friends, media, life can influence.  Sometimes in a good way, hopefully in a good way.  I'm just taking small pleasure in the fact that right now, at this moment in time, she loves who she is, and can't understand being anything else.  So innocent and simple.  Little does she know its not so simple.  Oh well...let's just enjoy the moment.  I love my Robots.