So Alekha came home from school the other day to tell me that a boy in her class called her "fat" but then also called her "skimpy". Of course, my natural defensive Mommy instinct was "WTF?!" and I was very annoyed. But I was very proud of the way she handled the situation, she told me she didn't let it bother her and she ignored him. I then proceeded to tell her that sometimes, nine-year-old boys are mean because they just don't know better. Sometimes it's because they secretly want the nine-year-old girl's attention. And sometimes it's because they are just acting out. But I was proud of her because there have been occasions where people have said unkind things about her height (calling her a "giant") that have made her cry, and I've repeatedly told her that it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of her - that's unimportant. What matters is what she knows to be true of herself. It then made me realize that someday, it's likely that she will get her heart broken by someone. And though I can't protect her from it, I daresay it will make her a stronger person. And I realize that one of the most important lessons I can teach my daughter about being a strong woman is to never forget her inner Queen. Queens don't make bargains, Queens don't run after a man who is walking in the opposite direction, Queens walk always with their head held high. Queens epitomize grace. Queens don't necessarily need a king, either. (Elizabeth I comes to mind!) For now, I'll start with her princess training. I can tell already that she has the makings of a fine Queen....
