Dean and Cheryl Kilodavis attracted national media attention when they paraded their 5-year-old son around in a dress.
The Seattle couple claims that Dyson developed an affinity for wearing dresses, skirts and pastel colors. So to appease the child, the couple eventually allowed their son to dress like a princess and wear lip gloss.
To capitalize on her son’s unique story, Cheryl wrote a book titled My Princess Boy. The book has been picked up by Simon & Schuster and Cheryl and Dyson were recently featured on the “Today” show.
Although it’s important for parents to allow their kids to express themselves as they discover who and what they will become, the Kilodavises have made a poor decision as parents.
Dyson has yet to develop the mental capacity to make such a bold decision about his style of dress. The Kilodavises should’ve thought about the potential repercussions of allowing their son to dress like a princess and bringing it to the attention of the national media. What happens when Dyson becomes a teenager and he no longer feels the need to dress like a princess? Will his friends accept him, or will he face scathing criticism from his peers?
Because he has gained so much national attention for dressing like a princess, the pictures and videos could follow him throughout life and have a negative impact. If he has problems reconciling his feelings with his parents’ action, Dyson could develop psychological issues and detest his parents for their ill-advised decision.
However, it appears the Kilodavises are hoping that their little Princess Boy will earn them a few extra bucks. Too bad a 5-year-old kid is being exploited in the process. –amir shaw
