This morning on the way to school:
“Mom, boys are cool. Girls are pretty.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because they are.”
“I think girls can be cool.”
“No they can’t. Only boys can be.”
“Lucy, do you know what cool means?”
“What?” (What she says when she means, “No, what?”)
“Cool is when you’re great. I think you’re great.”
“I’m not great. I’m pretty.”
“Lucy, you’re great AND pretty.”
“No, Mom, I’m just pretty. Can I wear a bow in my hair like Charlize?”
Yes, fine, wear a bow in your hair. Let it be a symbol of your rebellion against everything I stand for.