I know. It’s like an unspoken mom rule that we’re not supposed to call our children names like badass. But, the facts are the facts, people, and I’m just here to report what I see… My daughter is a badass.
Because we have 2 girls and are done with the whole child-bearing portion of life, my husband and I often get asked if we want a boy. Deep down, I think I’ve always assumed my husband felt he was missing out, not having a son. But, it turns out, he’s not. Because over the last (almost) 3 years, we’ve come to learn that having a daughter is just as badass as having a son.
Yesterday, my daughter picked her nose and wiped it on her frilly pink shirt. While I was throwing up in my mouth a little bit a lot, I had a thought: it seems that gross knows no gender.
Girls are totally just as gross as boys. (Oh, another gem: her favorite word is “butthole.” That’s fun at playgroups.)
Then, I started thinking of something else… Boys get the reputation of being tough, while girls are sweet and polite. But here’s the thing: they don’t know that.
So, while we’re busy labeling and judging, our girls are busy being just as tough and gross and strong and, well, TOTAL badasses as your boys…

SHE IS TOUGH Jumping from the coffee table to the couch, terrorizing our senile Yorkie (even after a few nips on the hand), climbing anything and everything in sight. She’s had 2 black eyes before her 3rd birthday and tells me “I’m OK, Mama.” numerous times each and every day.
THE DIRTIER, THE BETTER Sure, she might be wearing her favorite princess dress while she stomps in muddy puddles and plays in the dirt, but my girl loves to get her hands dirty, even if her nails have a fresh coat of nail polish. She loves everything pretty, sparkly and pink, and it’s even better if it’s covered in dirt and grass stains.
SHE’S BRAVE This little girl is willing to try anything. A new gymnastics class? She’s in. Climbing the 6 foot tall wall by the lake with her Daddy? Done. Walking up to a group of kiddos she’s never met? Here she comes. I love that my little girl already knows that brave is beautiful and totally badass.
GIRL KNOWS WHAT SHE WANTS On the long stay-at-home mom days, I call this trait annoying and exhausting. But, given a bit of perspective and some sleep, I call it strong-willed and independent. She has an opinion about anything and everything and isn’t afraid to let it be known (over and over and over again) and her integrity would put some adults’ to shame. She might just rule the world one day.
SHE LOVES HARD The snuggles might be few and far between these days, but in those rare moments when she slows down enough to cuddle up next to her mama, she is the best in all the land. She loves big and hard.
And I think that’s pretty damn badass.

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Love this post. Reminds me of my granddaughter. Strong willed and wonderful:-)
Awww, thank you Kathy!
Aw, this is inspiring. Such a good reminder that little kids don’t label themselves or confine themselves to gender stereotypes, and can be totally equal!
Exactly! Totally equal…so let’s treat them that way 🙂
I grew up with two brothers and one thing I noticed is on the reverse my mom didn’t believe in the “boys will be boys” philosophy. Meaning they didn’t get a free pass on being rambunctious or overly physical in the house. They never fought with me or messed with my things like some of my friend’s brothers.
Yes! That’s amazing. Sounds like you have great bros! Mine messed with me quite a bit, but he’s still pretty darn cool. Ha 🙂
Great post! She’s an amazing little kid Suzanne … you’re doing a great job! I’ve got a total tomboy for my older girl and we’ve yet to find out what the next one will be but they’re perfect just the way they are!
Thanks, sweet friend! And so true 🙂
So cute! My 3 year old daughter is actually more badass than my 5 year old son. I think gender roles are make believe. My son won’t try anything new. He’s scared of EVERYTHING. He cries over EVERYTHING. He’s not adventurous at all. Now my daughter is an adrenaline junky. Love girls. LOL (I love my son too by the way, he’s my first born!)
Ha! I love hearing this 🙂
How awesome! My little girl is almost 2 and fits every category! My husband taught her “I’m tough” and she says it whenever she falls/bumps/scrapes/etc. total badass!
Aww, that is the cutest thing ever!