One Less Thing To Worry About

It's hard enough adjusting to change but when that change comes with a new set of rules, things can get a little complicated.  As we tried to settle into our new school routine, trying to get accustomed to a new school, we were hit hard with a rule that singled my son out in a very direct way.

On the very first day of school, my son was told he would have to cut his hair as long hair was not permitted for boys.  That I can understand in a very 'formal' school with very 'formal' rules.  But my son has braids, which I thought left him exempt from that particular rule.  As it turns out, it did not.  They sent home a note stating that braids would also not be permitted as well.  Them were fighting words and of course, I was ready to put on my gloves and go to bat for my son.  Not just for the right for him to have his hair in braids but to let the school know that him having said braids was a part of our culture and I would not be cutting his hair. Not to mention, the thought of him having to cut his hair left my son upset and resentful towards the school.

I really was prepared to take my case as far as it needed to go.  If they couldn't accept my son for who he is and for what we believe, then they would feel my wrath.  Turns out, no wrath needed to be felt.  A little bit of information given on my part and some given to me on theirs, we were able to come to an understanding without me having to compromise too much.

As was said, agreements can be made with civil conversation and a little bit of understanding.  In the meeting it was finally agreed upon that without going against school rules, I would not have to physical cut my son's hair.  I know there are rules and they are there for a reason.  In my case, the school understood that I would not go against what I believed or abandon a part of my culture to comply with a rule that would case me great distress.   With both parties getting what they want, me more so than the school, here comes the tricky part.

As apart of the 'agreement', I now have to style my son's braids in a way that would make them appear a lot shorter than they are.  That proved a little harder than I initially thought, not to mention my son is not entirely on board with that idea.  Finding a way to make long braids seem shorter is not an easy task and this weekend, I will be trying my hand at few styles to find the one that works for both me and my son.  I want him to be happy with his hair, like he is now.  However, I don't want any more drama with the school so it's imperative for me to 'comply' with the agreement or I might have to eventually cut his hair. And since that is not something I am willing to do just yet, nor is it something my son wants, changes have to be made. I just hope the change will make everyone happy. But thankfully, with that issue settled for now, it is one less thing I have to worry about.