Kilted Parenting

[SexyButler]

Are your wee ones kilted?

My 7 year old (my only boy), recently asked me for a kilt. (It had a lot to do with Sgians and Dirks, etc.)

For reasons that some of you know, I haven't been able to share a lot of my cultural heritage with my children in the past. Now that I am free from that oppression, my kids ae being exposed, big time to all things Celtic, and they are loving it!

However, I sense strong objection from his Dad. I will as always, follow my heart.

Any ideas?

[acstoon]

Di,
I don't know the background, regarding the oppression... nor would I pry.

You are a parent to your son, just as his dad is. You have every right to engulf him in your cultural history, as you see fit (as does his dad).
If your son wishes to get into kilt, why not?

[Mr. MacDougall]

I'll echo my fellow "doc," and say that if your kid wants a kilt, get him a kilt! SportKilt, among others, offers kilts in sizes for "Lads and Tads," and has a variety of tartans available.

[Arlen]

This is always a tricky issue and can cause a lot of fights.
Without casting aspersions on someone I don't know, I am going to assume that the dad is still their dad and will see them and talk to them.

What I'd suggest (As someone who doesn't even have bairns yet :P is this:
Gently talk to the wee ones and let them know that this is your heritage which you are passing on to them. Their dad might want to pass on different things and that is just fine. They can decide what they like and that is up to them.
BUT... they don't have to do anything to please one parent over the other.

Maybe you could even discuss with them that when it is dad time they don't have to wear their celtic regalia but when it is mum time they can wear it all they want.


Like I said, I haven't had any children yet so feel free to gently inform me that it doesn't work that way.


Good luck and take care.

[acstoon]

well said, Arlen.

[SexyButler]

Yes, their Dad is their Dad, but that is the limit to which he is in the picture. He is not a fan of the kilt, at all.
I don't mean to be cryptic, I would just never surpress anything that makes one feel connected to this world, their history or heritage. I thought I was missing something. Maybe not.

[Marshal Moroni]

Of all things large and small
Parenting can be the toughest one of all!

I came to kilts after my children were all but raised, my 15 year old step son is embarrassed by me wearing them, everyone else (7 out of 8) seems to be fine with it.

Not knowing the situation, sharing the culture is great. Rubbing something in the face of a co-parent is not nice. If Dad is adamantly against son being kilted I would suggest treading lightly.

Of course, there will likely be times when he's not around and it would then probably be fine.

As to Sgian Dubh and Dirks, these too may be an issue depending on your sons age. I've always felt that knives are a responsibility that needed to be earned.

Good luck your ongonig parenting adventure!

Marshal Moroni

[SexyButler]

Of all things large and small
Parenting can be the toughest one of all! Amen!
If Dad is adamantly against son being kilted I would suggest treading lightly. Of course, there will likely be times when he's not around and it would then probably be fine. I am trying not to be disrespectful, ya know?

As to Sgian Dubh and Dirks, these too may be an issue depending on your sons age. I've always felt that knives are a responsibility that needed to be earned. AGREED! Friends gave me a great site for kids replicas.
Good luck your ongonig parenting adventure! Thank you !

Marshal Moroni

Anyhoo, thanks, Di

[graham_s]

my 15 year old step son is embarrassed by me wearing them

15 year olds are embarrassed by everything parents/step parents do anyway, so you might as well do what you like!

[auld argonian]

My seventeen year wee one...the daughter...shares the interest in the kilt.

The nineteen year old "wee" one thinks that I have taken leave of my senses.

best

AA