My little Scout

This month for my book club we are reading the classic To Kill a Mockingbird.  I read it in high school, but this was the first time I read it since then.  What a wonderful book to read again.  Like the first time, I was completely smitten with one of the most memorable and likable characters in American literature,  Scout.  It made me think about what I first thought of Miss Scout when I read it as a teenager.  I remember thinking that she was the kind of daughter I would love to have as my own.  I wanted to be the kind of parent Atticus is.  Honest and steadfast in my beliefs and letting my children see this through my choices and actions everyday.  

We now are raising our children in a world that allows so many more opportunities for our children, particularly for our daughters, yet we continue to fight for a world of equality and justice.  My oldest daughter is my little Scout.  She already goes against the grain and challenges people's ideals and expectations of how a little girl is supposed to behave.  At times her energy and spirit is a challenge, but I have to admit she makes other children appear boring.  Even in the Bay area, amongst a "liberal" community, the gender roles and expectations still exist for our children.  I wince when I hear my liberal educated friends make comments questioning my children's behavior or justifying their own children's behavior based upon gender stereotypes.  I find myself falling into the trap and explaining my daughter's behavior when I should be proud of the person she is.  The daughter I always wanted, my little Scout, is right here with me.  I hope I can prove to be the kind of parent she is worthy of having.