Mum Defends Six-Year-Old Son's Love Of Nail Varnish In Moving Open Letter | HuffPost Life

'See my boy for the amazing person he is. Show him love.'

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

A mother has penned a powerful open letter on Facebook, defending her son's right to wear nail varnish without fearing a backlash.

Devon Berryann, from Pennsylvania, USA, explained that her six-year-old had been teased at school for the polish he had on his nails.

Although she momentarily wondered whether taking it off would stop the bullying, Berryann said she realised she needed to let her son be who he wanted.

"He likes to wear girls’ clothes and tutus," she wrote on Facebook on 15 June.

"He tells me about the boys he likes at school. He says he will marry them and adopt babies. Maybe he will outgrow it. Maybe not."

"I love and accept him for who he is," Berryann continued. "I always thought that doing that would protect him from the pain of hurtful words and bullies, and I didn’t worry.

"A couple [of] days ago he told me again about kids teasing him at school for his nail polish, and for the first time ever I considered talking him into taking it off.

"Because for the first time ever I was scared that he would be gunned down one night when he was out having a good time with his friends.

"In that moment I was so terrified that I wondered if it would be better to stop appeasing him. Then I remembered all the reasons I let him be who he wants. Because it makes him happy.

"Because nothing hurts more than seeing your child truly sad.

"Because pretending to be someone you’re not to please other people only leads to self-loathing. To depression and to suicide."

Berryann said she feels the world needs to change to be better for her son.

"Because he is a wonderful, amazing person," she continued.

"He wants to be president. He thinks he is a ninja. He listens when you explain things and remembers it forever.

"He notices when you’re sad and tries to cheer you up. He has a light about him that just can’t be put out, no matter how hard some people have tried.

"What the world needs is more love and acceptance."

So what did she do? She went and bought more nail polish and let her son wear a tutu.

"So here he is world," she wrote alongside the photo of her son shared on Facebook.

"See my boy for the amazing person he is. Show him love. Show him acceptance.

"Help us change the world into one that deserves him."

The post was shared more than 12,000 times in seven days and encouraged other mums to share similar stories about their children.

"Let him rock it," one mother wrote. "I have put nail polish on my son because he asked for it.

"I don't care what he wants to be or who he wants to be as long as he is a loving, honest, respectful human, I will love him unconditionally."

Another wrote: "Love this! I let my kid rock pink dresses whenever he wants. You are such a great mumma."

Before You Go

10 Ways To Take The Stress Out Of Family Holidays

Get Off The Beaten Track(01 of10)

“We’re seeing a trend in families seeking out more authentic travel experiences that will inspire rather than distract their children,” says Tom. “There are plenty of unexpected destinations that are kid-friendly without being completely kid-focused that offer incredible experiences that will excite kids and grown-ups of all ages. Follow in the footsteps of Darwin himself and visit the Galapagos Islands—perfect for any budding zoologist. Heading to Australia? Try going walkabout with Aboriginal tribes in Australia. Or if you fancy a safari then why not meet the young Massai and learn of their ‘rites of passage’— even in our well-travelled world, there are still opportunities to find truly unique experiences, as long as you know where to look.” (credit:Alamy)

Find A Helping Hand(02 of10)

“Sometimes just getting your family out of the door can feel like an impossible task, let alone planning an entire holiday. This is where travel specialists come in,” says Tom. “For example we make sure that every single visa, airport transfer, flight and hotel is booked and ready to go so that all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.” (credit:Alamy)

Be Prepared – And Do Your Research(03 of10)

“The new generation of family traveller is not boxed in by perceived limitations, but even the most intrepid traveller needs to do their research”, warns Tom. “Life is full of unexpected twists and turns and you don’t want to arrive in your destination to find yourself stuck in the monsoon season or in the middle of an unwanted national holiday.” (credit:Alamy)

Get Physical(04 of10)

“Nothing brings a family closer than a thrilling physical challenge and in our internet age we’re seeing an increasing number of parents eager to get to get their children to ditch the computer games and explore the great outdoors. From jungle trekking in Borneo to hiking the cracks and boulders of Yosemite National Park, there are plenty of exhilarating trips to choose from these days.” (credit:Alamy)

Learn Something New(05 of10)

“For a trip that your children will truly cherish forever, why not try giving them a new perspective or introduce them to a new sport?” suggests Tom. “Experiences that can ignite new passions and hobbies.” (credit:Alamy)

Go Wild(06 of10)

“A safari is a classic option for that big family adventure but if you truly want to capture their imagination then give them a safari holiday with a twist. Swap your traditional 4x4 for a quad bike and skid across the plains of South Africa or grab a canoe and see the Big Five in action from the water in the magnificent Selinda Spillway in Botswana—there’s nothing better than ending the day hotly debating your favourite wildlife encounters of the day.” (credit:Alamy)

Find A Good Crèche(07 of10)

“There’s no need to wait until children are walking and talking to take that trip of a lifetime—there are plenty of resorts and hotels that offer spectacular kids club facilities to keep the younger travellers entertained and give you a well-deserved rest.” (credit:Alamy)

On The Road(08 of10)

“One of my favourite choices of holiday for 2013 is the quintessential road trip. For kids that are happy in a car, America’s West Coast offers the ideal combination of adventure and incredible scenery. From behind the bars of San Francisco’s Alcatraz to the majesty of Big Sur, the constant change in scenery is sure to keep the whole family entertained. You can even make the obligatory day trip to Disneyland and be back sipping cocktails in Santa Monica by sundown.” (credit:Alamy)

Something For The Weekend(09 of10)

“You don’t have to travel half way across the world to create a family holiday that will stick in the memory bank—a quick trip or city break can offer just as many rare and memorable experiences for even the most discerning (and tiny) travellers”, suggests Tom. “ For something more exotic, a quick flight to Marrakech gives kids a chance to revel in the chaos of the souk, ride camels, and try their first tagines. “ (credit:Alamy)

Time To Yourself(10 of10)

“As parents look to enrich and inspire their children’s lives with travel, they too often forget to include time to themselves in their busy schedule. A holiday should be just that and it’s important to give yourself some downtime while the kids are entertaining themselves. Indulge in a spa treatment or try an evening of wining and dining in a gourmet restaurant.” (credit:Alamy)

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