The problem with spending ten years in nothing but shorts or blue jeans is that the moment you put on something different, you risk having your child turn on you. All that hard work you’ve thought you’d done - attempts to broaden the child’s perspectives on life, lengthy discussions on change and difference and acceptance, constant encouragement on how people should openly express themselves in all ways - well, sorry, but sometimes it just flies out the window without a single glance back.
I’d put on a pair of khaki pants this morning. Not something you’d think would rock anyone’s boat.
“Dad? You’re wearing girl’s pants!”
“No I’m not. They’re just khakis.”
“No, those are girl’s pants. Austin had to wear a pair just like that at school. They weren’t his. The office gave them to him. It was the funniest thing ever.”
Anything to entertain the troops.