While older generations tend to push back on the idea that dresses aren’t exclusively for girls and bathrooms should not be reserved for one gender, the younger generation sees no problem with challenging these societal norms.
A TikTok video shared by Aaron (@daddyfiles) captured the heartwarming moment a seven-year-old boy recalled being told boys shouldn’t wear nail polish.
The video begins with the young boy showing off his freshly painted nails that match his football practice jersey.
His father, Aaron, compliments him, “looking good bud.”
Like any curious parent, Aaron asks his son how practice went. The boy hesitates for a second before revealing another child’s mother told their kid that only girls were allowed to wear nail polish.
“And what did you say?” Aaron asked.
“And then I said your mom’s only mad ’cause I got more taste,” the boy said with confidence.
After congratulating his son for standing up for himself, Aaron flipped the camera around to deliver a powerful message.
“Anyone can wear nail polish, even football players, even baseball players, anybody,” he said. “Let’s knock off the crap.”
@daddyfiles Anyone can wear nail polish. Girls, boys, everyone. Even football players. Proud of Tommy. 💅🏈 #nailpolish #football #parenting #gender #genderstereotypes #toxicmasculinity #raisingboys ♬ original sound – Aaron
Many TikTok users agreed with Aaron, showing their support for his son.
“Kids like this guy give me hope for the future. What a great dad,” one user wrote.
“Way to go bud! Wish I had that much confidence when I was in school!” someone else shared.
Meanwhile, another TikTok user shared an interesting fact, “in some cultures the warriors would paint their nails before battle as part of their war paint! looks like a warrior to me!”
Who said boys can’t wear nail polish?! If you like to have your nails painted, than paint them! We need to stop policing people on what they can and can’t do based on their gender.
