Most Common Things Parents Say To Their Kids

When I first read the article's subject line my first reaction was, "Really?!" But then as I read it I realize it totally makes sense. When I was that age, I lived in a smaller city where all of the children at my elementary school lived in my neighborhood. I was with the same children from JK to Grade 8 (when they still had that structure). Out of the kids in my class there were only three that I can remember whose parents were divorced. Two of which lacked a father figure completely. We were also all white, upper middle class, Christian kids (It was a public school too). So I remember the obligatory holiday crafting, the Christmas carols in the gym and the Mother/Father's Day card making too. I also remember the awkwardness of those without a father figure being asked to make a Father's Day card.

Things have obviously changed drastically since the late eighties/early nineties. The same school is now more multicultural and kids from other areas of town are bussed in. This has changed things and as things grow and evolve it makes sense to me that such practices would be altered along side. People are so resistant to change but sometimes it is a good thing. I like their spin on it and while people will be resistant I have a feeling you will see more instances of this.

I think I may have missed the point too. I grew up with Disney princesses, Barbie, and easy bake ovens. I also grew up learning about women like Nellie McClung, Emily Murphy, Henrietta Edwards and the rest of the "the Famous Five" I watched Roberta Bondar go into space. I watched Kim Campbell become Prime Minister. I played princess and had tea parties, but I also took my same princess dolls and tormented my sister by destroying her Barbies. I blamed Cinderella when all the Barbie dolls had head transplants, and it was Snow White and GI Joe who launched Barbie into "space" with a bottle rocket and parachute.
My mom taught me what was real and what was fake, that to aspire to be anyone other than myself was to sell myself short, for even "real" hero's have flaws. As an adult I like sparkly things, make-up, getting my nails and hair done. I also like to advocate for those who are unable to do so themselves. I fight against social injustices and I fight for change. A Disney princess may have taught me dream, Margaret Thatcher taught me how to achieve. There is nothing wrong with looking "pretty" while kicking ass.