Our son Wyatt is seven, and there's something remarkable about the way he moves through the world. When he walks out our front door in his full pink Nike kit, there's a confidence that catches people off guard. His pink sneakers light up with each step - not as a statement, but simply because he thinks they're awesome.
Ski days at Smugglers Notch bring out his lilac Hootie Hoo snowsuit. I notice the double-takes from some of the older generations, while their kids just see Wyatt - a friend ready for adventure on the slopes. The color is completely secondary to them.
His pink sweatsuit days might be my favorite. There's an ease in how he wears it - no second-guessing, no hesitation - just a kid wearing clothes he likes. It makes me wonder when we adults became so concerned with these unwritten rules.
Beyond Blue and Pink
The children's clothing section in most stores remains stubbornly divided - "boys" on one side, "girls" on the other. Wyatt crosses this invisible boundary without giving it a second thought, drawn to colors and styles based solely on what appeals to him.
When he first picked out that purple Hootie Hoo snowsuit, I had a moment of pause. Not because I minded, but because I worried about comments he might hear. That concern was about my conditioning, not his preference.
What Children Already Know
Children don't arrive with predetermined ideas about which colors belong to which genders. These are learned associations, not innate understandings.
Wyatt isn't making a statement with his color choices. He's not trying to challenge gender norms or make a point. He just thinks pink and purple look good. It's that simple.
Lessons for a Changing World
As I watch Wyatt navigate his world with such authentic self-expression, I think about the future he's growing into. With technology transforming how we work and express ourselves, the old rigid categories won't serve this generation well.
His natural ability to follow his preferences rather than external expectations seems increasingly valuable in a world that will reward creativity and authentic self-expression.
Beyond Colors: Building Confident Kids
This journey with Wyatt has taught us that supporting children's authentic expression goes beyond just clothing choices. It's about helping them develop:
- Confidence to follow their genuine interests
- Resilience against judgment
- The ability to present themselves authentically in a world that increasingly values unique perspectives
Small Choices, Big Impact
Each time we respond positively to a child's unconventional choice, we're helping build a more inclusive world. Each time we question our own reactions about what's "appropriate" for boys or girls, we're unlearning limitations that don't serve anyone.
Wyatt doesn't know it yet, but his purple Hootie Hoo snowsuit and pink sneakers are teaching our family profound lessons about authenticity and confidence.
He's showing us that true confidence doesn't come from fitting in—it comes from being comfortable with who you are.
And sometimes, that lesson comes from a seven-year-old who hasn't yet learned there's anything unusual about his color choices at all.
Meg Wilson
Hootie Hoo Parent and Contributor
