Plastics

I was not popular in school. I had friends, lots of friends. I was busy and involved. I even had a steady boyfriend (who was popular at his school). But, I was not popular. I didn't go to parties. I was not on the homecoming court. I was not a star athlete. I was just average. I remember wanting to be popular. In fact, I recall going to practice to try out for cheerleading. I didn't try out because all the popular girls were there and I felt inferior. I always regretted not trying out because I loved cheerleading when I was little, and I was good at it. I could do all the jumps and flips, and I wasn't afraid of anything. Instead I tried out for the dance team. I did make the team, but secretly I always wished I'd tried out for cheerleading.

Today was the last day of school for DQ and BB. My children are just like me. They have plenty of friends, they get excellent grades, they love school. However, they are not "popular". I am so very glad! The reason why you ask? Well, for example. The school's colors are green and gold. Today was a day of fun and goofing off. Some of the 5th grade boys decided to spray their hair green in honor of their last day at Youth Elementary. Well, DQ decided she would like to have a green streak in her VERY blond hair. As you can imagine it looked almost neon. Anyway, all that being said, when I walked DQ to class she was greeted with the "plastics"( refer to the movie Mean Girls for clarification). These girls all had on zebra print knee socks, had their hair the same, had their t-shirts tied up, knotted up, whatever. They looked every bit a silly as DQ ,but at least she was original. Anyway I digress. She got giggles and strange stares until one little girl stepped out and said how cute she looked. After that they all wanted green hair. REALLY? SERIOUSLY? Don't their mother's remember high school at all? Do they really want their daughters under that kind of scrutiny and pressure? Do they really want their daughters going to parties where there will be drinking and spin the bottle?

I was discussing the "popular" kid topic with BB the other day. I'm sure some of these kids are very nice kids. I'm sure their parents are very nice people. What I did share with BB though is that he is to love everyone equally. Nobody should be singled out for not following the crowd. That person should be commended for making their own choices and not being afraid to stand up for what they believe in. I want them to enjoy growing up. I do not want them to do things because it's the cool thing to do; I do not want that kind of pressure on my kids! I want them to do things because they want to do them. What's wrong with being a crazy kid? What's wrong with running around barefoot all day wearing your swimsuit? What's wrong with still enjoying the Disney channel when you are 9 and 10 yrs old? I think it's fabulous that BB and DQ still want to be kids. I'm thankful that they don't feel the need to "Be Cool" all the time. I'm glad they are original and silly. I'm very proud to be their "unpopular" mom!