“No Disrespect Grandma, But Let Him Be”

But Mira wasn’t finished. “‘Sweet is not just for girls,’” she stated firmly.

I had to suppress a smile. My daughter had always had a strong sense of fairness and a powerful desire to stand up for what she believed was right. My husband, however, shifted uncomfortably in his chair, hoping to avoid any conflict with his mom. I tried to ease the tension, adding softly that it was important for children to be able to express themselves and “feel free to just be themselves.” My mother-in-law nodded, but her pursed lips showed she wasn’t convinced.

The rest of the meal was unusually quiet, filled only with the gentle clinking of silverware and Mira’s quiet whispers to Eli about dinosaurs.

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