Boys who love dresses and the color pink aren’t exactly considered “normal” in our society. While girls who play with trucks are often simply referred to as tomboys, boys who want to play with dolls or wear dresses are discouraged from doing so. And as we know all too well, people who are classified as different, especially from an early age, are often ridiculed. They grow up with less self-esteem and the bullying they often endure has led some to take their own lives.
Cheryl Kilodavis was a mom much like many of us, encouraging our girls to play with girl toys and our boys with boy toys without paying much attention to our motivations. However, her five-year-old son Dyson loves the color pink, and has been playing dress-up with princess attire since he was two. Her initial reaction was to steer him in a different direction by offering him a more masculine toy to play with such as a truck. Nevertheless, Dyson persisted and her older son asked her to let his little brother be happy. Kilodavis took a step back and began to see that the “problem” she saw in front of her didn’t belong to Dyson but to her.
In order to deal with her emotions and unanticipated stereotypes, Kilodavis began writing a journal. That journal turned into a book to help other families who were going through the same situation that her family was. “My Princess Boy” was released just before the 2010 holiday season and the story has been circulating NBC stations and the internet.
The book tells the story of a four-year-old boy who expresses himself through “traditional girl” activities such as dress-up, complete with jewelry and sparkles. He talks about being made fun of and of how he is happy being himself. “My Princess Boy” explores unconditional friendships, acceptance and support.
Since the release of the book, Kilodavis has received thousands of emails from families of other princess boys expressing their gratitude. Each family felt alone in their “problem”, but with the purchase of the book began to see their own children as normal and realized there are other families out there just like theirs.
For more information and to learn where to purchase My Princess Boy, visit www.myprincessboy.com. The book currently retails for around $10.