I believe in self-expression through clothing, accessories, hair, etc. I believe that children should be allowed the same privilege as their parental counterparts, within major reason. As adults, we need to guide our children. They need to know what the difference is between expression and ridiculousness.

I see the way other kids dress, have their hair done, etc. I think to myself…OMG. Quite frankly, I think most of the styles today, in particular, are horrible. Dare I say…worse than the 80′s? I still like the neon colors and the big earrings…that was SO my thang.

I, personally, try not to buy inappropriate clothing for my kids. I don’t like when my kids leave the house with their va-jay-jays hanging out of their camel toes and everything but their nipples showing. Sometimes though, I listen to my kids when they cry “BUT MOMMMMMY, EVERYONE is wearing that.” and I give in. SOMETIMES. Like…those stupid silly bandz or the very unflattering to most kids…Sugarlips tank tops.

And…I’ve allowed my daughters to get a couple of pink highlights. And blonde. And red.

I’ve let them make their own shoes on Nike.com and Converse.com while gnashing my teeth and holding my breath as I pay for the atrocities. And I let them wear them…with me…in public. OY. The shame of motherhood. They think they are embarrassed being seen with me…

My daughter has double pierced ears. It doesn’t bother me, I have double pierced ears too. One is even triple pierced. I did it when my parents were out of town when I was a teenager.

I did a bunch of stupid things when my parents weren’t looking. Because the only expression I felt I was allowed to have was through my clothing…and just barely.

So, I rebelled through other things we won’t go into. That’s another post.

Which is why I allow my children a little more freedom. There are reins but they aren’t super tight. I know what happens when a kid can’t breathe.

BUT.

There are certain things I draw the line at. Under my roof.

Body piercings.
Tattoos.
Goth.
Heavy make-up.
Those tribal disc things that kids are putting in their ears.
Spikes under there skin.
And I can probably come up with quite a few more things.

Another thing…

Mohawks.

Not in my house. I think they are ugly. I hated them in the 80′s. 90′s. And now. They are stupid looking. Especially on young kids.

I always wondered what type of parent would take their kid to get this done. Ever since I was young.

I. HATE. MOHAWKS.

My stepson has spent much of summer vacation with his mother.

Today, he came home for the weekend.

Sporting a brand new mohawk.

It’s so atrocious that even a gorgeous face like his doesn’t soften the ugliness of the haircut.

In this case though, it’s a good thing he is so cute.

L…You know how I feel about you. But, I’m very, very disappointed that you took him to do this. This is allowing the wrong type of self expression, especially for him. What next, tribal plates in his ears? Have fun up North.

Just because a kid thinks something looks cool doesn’t make it cool for him.