Outside the Box

I would technically say I have kids that think “outside the box.”  Everyone is always trying to steer them back into the box, to get back on the straight path through life.  I want them to stay outside the box, work and overcome their struggles and difficulties, but continue to be who they are, and who they were meant to be.  I don’t want them to conform or march to the same drum, I want them to have colored hair, wear hunting snow hats in summer and pretend they are a Marvel Super Hero at the age of 12.  I catch myself often saying “oh my god, you are so weird, “ and my kids ask if that is bad. I have taught them and continue to teach them that weird is good. I am the biggest weirdo of all.  Why would you want to be “typical”, the same as everyone else? Being weird or different stands out and challenges the norm. Being an individual and authentic to oneself is not always received with a positive response, especially in my town.  
Our little bubble of a town lives in a box.  We compare our kids to their friends and compare ourselves to others, wanting to be the best.  We want to conform and follow the latest trends, we are the reason the Kardashians exist, and “who wore it best”, is a reality I see everyday.  

What the hell is the “box” anyway???

Why do we post on instagram and facebook and use social media?  Some of course use it for business, others use it as a platform to display their “perfect child.”  Their kid who won first place, scored the most goals, finished three chapter books in a week, went to a Kings or Laker game - box seats, or take to the Taylor Swift concert - with VIP behind the stage passes.  We show all the accolades and accomplishments of our children… why, is it to show off, or to get acceptance from our peers? None of us post pictures of our kids getting an F on a test, or sitting on the bench or striking out, or struggling to ride a bike or wiping out on every wave.  Why not? We don’t want to feel less than or that wwe don’t belong in “the box.” We are all guilty of this, and I am not saying we shouldn’t celebrate our children’s successes. I am making a conscience effort in my life to portray my authentic self and my children in the same light I see them everyday.  This is who I am and who my kids are … and I am nothing but proud and grateful (although I need constant reminding).