Mom's Photos Capture The Joy In Letting Your Child Wear What They Want

Fashion has no gender

With adorable photos of her five-year-old son, mom and owner of Kells’ Natural Photography Crystal Kells is showing us what A+ parenting looks like. Her little boy Cian loves to throw gender stereotypes to the wind by wearing dresses, and his mom fully supports him in finding his own style.

Kells tells Scary Mommy that Cian’s been wearing dresses for about a year. In spite of some initial concerns by his father about other people’s reactions, his parents have been totally supportive of it.

“His father Brian had reservations about it at first, but only from the stand point that he was worried for Cian in that this might lead to bullying and/or hardships for Cian,” says Kells. “Personally, I didn’t think twice. What can I say? I’m a momma bear who would do what she could for her son. To support him and love him no matter what. I was raised to trailblaze and not care about gender stereotypes. To just do and be me. So, I’m passing that on to my son.”

Now his parents say there’s no question in their mind that letting Cian dress as he wants is the right choice. “What has reassured us has been Cian’s confidence and attitude about it.” Kells explains. “He has a confidence and love for himself (and others) that is infectious.”

In a now viral post for Bored Panda, Kells shared some images of her son wearing his fabulous dresses and explains how becoming a mom has changed her. “I need to be an example for my son,” she writes. “I want my son to grow up knowing he has a voice … So, I made sure I did (and still do) these things for my son.”

Kells notes that like any five-year-old, Cian has a variety of interests. “Cian also loves to wear a cape and play Superhero,” she writes. “He loves Ironman, Paw Patrol, hiking, playing cars and cutting his hair short to look like other men he sees.”

It’s not just his parents that support Cian in wearing whatever he feels most comfortable in. Kells says Cian’ school also support his clothing choices on the days he feels like wearing a dress to school. “He attends a Catholic school and wears the dress that is part of the uniform,” she explains. “It’s been awesome! The principal said as long as he is in uniform, it doesn’t matter what he wears.” Proving that prejudices are learned, not innate, Kells shares that Cian has had zero issues with bullying this year.

Kells believes he’s just curious about his body and gender roles. “He never feels uncomfortable when we or anyone else refers to him as a boy.” she says. “He has on occasion said he wants to be a girl and we’ve told him he can be whoever he wants to be. But he’s also said he’d like to be a super hero with freezing powers and a mermaid in the same breath. So no, I don’t think he’s trans. He’s just discovering himself.”

Kells’ photos are a gorgeous tribute to the true meaning of parenting — loving your child for exactly who they are.