Daddy Do My Socks Match?

As a parent, there have been many times I have felt proud of my children. That said, there are some moments that just stand out. In those moments, you realize that you are making an extraordinary impact on a young life. One such moment happened a couple of weeks ago.

My oldest daughter is very intelligent. She loves to read and has a fantastic imagination. She recalls nearly everything she reads, watches or hears with amazing accuracy. Yet, she is very personable and likeable. She makes friends easily, sometimes I fear a little too easily. She is, I'm glad to say, a great kid (though I am a little biased).

At the age of 10, when many kids only concern is fitting in and being liked, she is determined to be herself. She was approached by a classmate who told her that if she didn't stop being so silly, stop reading the books she likes stop watching the movies she enjoys, she wasn't going to have anymore friends.

My daughter told her classmate that if people didn't like her for who she was then that was fine with her, she didn't need them as a friend.

When my daughter came home and told me about this I had mixed emotions. Part of me felt sorry for her that she had to be faced with that situation, but, a greater part of me felt pride in her boldness to be who she is regardless of what people think or say. I even found myself a little saddened by the maturity she displayed simply because I realize she is growing up. She will soon be a young adult making decisions that will impact her future. I hope she remembers who she is in those moments.

I have made a point of telling my girls that they don't need to change for anyone. They are fine just as they are. They are beautiful young ladies filled with promise and potential who I believe have the confidence to stand for what's right no matter what is said about them. I am proud that they feel strongly about God, their family and friends. They will need that foundation to achieve their dreams and I know that I have done my part to help them build a strong one.