Without fail, every day after school my son changes into his Heat jersey and “sports shorts” before he goes outside to play basketball. He’s obsessed with his LeBron high-TOPS (not to be confused with HIGH-tops—he puts the em-PHA-sis on the wrong syl-LAB-le). We’ve had a few conversations about getting “spiky hair” as opposed to my preferred long “surfer cut,” but he hasn’t yet realized that he can assert his authority while he’s sitting in the Jeep at the kid’s salon getting his hair cut.

Keep in mind I have a boy, and I’m fully aware of the challenges associated with girls of this age (i.e. picking out their own clothes and putting together the most insane outfits possible). But as a mom, I feel indulging him in this particular area is a good thing—it’s helping to show he has control over his world, and define himself, albeit as a professional athlete (which is fine). But I’d also be fine with painting his toenails if he so desired.

I love this age because our children aren’t yet (fully) affected by what other people (or kids) think. Sure I’m starting to get a few “I want the __________ that so-and-so has,” but for the most part, my son is still pure, altruistic and authentic. I cherish these days, because I know it won’t be long before television, his peers and the pressures of growing up take hold. I know I have to pick and choose my battles carefully, so if my son wants to emulate an athlete, I suppose there are worse role models to have. I haven’t needed to put my foot down on anything just yet, but I’m sure it will happen before I know it.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve let YOUR kid wear?