Dear one,
The phrase “man up” is offensive and potentially harmful to impressionable boys and young men, not to mention its unspoken assertion that to be masculine is to be stronger. It is not better to be a man, it’s just biology. I’m happy enough to be a man, but secure enough to not feel that my masculinity is endangered if I show emotion or dare to challenge gender barriers.
I’m thankful to know parents who are more afraid of raising emotionally stunted children than of raising a kid who isn’t “normal”.
Today I challenge you to look for the subconscious ways in which you unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes and work to challenge that habit within yourself.
Never forget that I love you, and that excludes no one.
Love,
