Some days I wonder if I am raising my girls well. On several occasions I have gone into self- introspection mode asking myself whether their decisions lack intellect and conscience. For instance, when I walk into a toy store or a Mall, I see how fancy and expensive their choices are. Most of the time I refuse to cater to these demands, but sometimes (and I won’t lie here) I do give in. During such times I sulk on my way back as to why they couldn’t have chosen a coloring kit or a nice board game. Sometimes I drown in the guilt of being an indulgent parent raising shallow and flamboyant girls.
But there are some rare instances also, when I sing to my aching heart ALL IS WELL!
Quick backdrop to this: My daughter has been given a 10-minute break to dress up as her favorite Disney character and back her choice with a reason, for an online presentation. Since my daughter declared a week ago that she will dress up as Elsa for the 5-minute presentation, I pulled out a long white frock for the same.
“I am not going to wear this Mumma!!!!” my 7-year-old screamed from inside the bathroom.
“But you wanted to be Elsa- The Frozen princess. You chose that character. I didn’t! You can’t just flip at the last moment. Your turn is due in 10 min!” I hollered, holding the white dress in my hands, waiting for her to step out.
“I still want to be Elsa, Mumma. I love her. She’s so kind and thoughtful. I just don’t want to wear the dresses she wears!” she answered, still unwilling to come out.
“And why is that? It’s such a pretty gown. White as snow and with the prettiest set of pearls around the neckline. You will look beautiful. Plus, what am I supposed to arrange for you at the very last minute. She was a princess. And that’s what princess’s wear! What do you think they should be wearing? Pyjamas? Imagine a princess in a Pyjama !!” I retorted, pleased with my argument.
Suddenly she flung open the door.
“Why? Why cannot a princess wear comfortable clothes? If Elsa wants to ride her horse aren’t pyjamas the coolest thing to wear? Will that not make her ride the horse better? Gowns are uncomfortable. They are beautiful. Yes. But are they comfortable? No!! I cannot run around. If I do, I may trip and fall! And if a princess is tripping all the time, then how will she run her Queendom? So, I will not wear this long frock. It’s too fancy.” She cleared the air around her stance, firmly.
The class started. She said her lines. It was too late to change the costume. She wore the white dress. But she wore the Pyjamas underneath as well. She has a Queendom to take care of, after all!
P.S.: Am I raising my girls well? Time will tell. As on date….All is well. Courtesy the Pyjamas!!
PICTURE CREDITS : THE DRESS SHE DIDN’T WANT TO WEAR. 😎.