To style or not to style…. That is the question.

Ok… I’m evil, I’m the worst mother in the world and have potentially crippled what social life my precious has tried so hard to build this past 12 months.

BUT, I’m also strong willed, and determine to teach her a few important lessons.

1. If you don’t love you for what’s inside no one else will
2. Look after your hair or I’ll have it chopped off.

She’s a strong little dude and knows that what mum says goes. She knows this because I rarely say things I won’t follow through on.
For the past year Kyla and I have been going head to head about her looking after her hair. Firstly because I’m just as lazy as her, and hate looking after my own hair let alone hers. Secondly, because I had to teach her to look after herself and her appearance.

I provided her with the skills by teaching her all the trick of the trade, I gave her some tools; shampoo & conditioner that wasn’t baby branded, a variety of moisture and styling products, hair dryer, combs, clips, head bands, ties… the works!

I just can’t stand seeing my children look like nobody owns them. There dad on the other hand is comply oblivious to it… does he not see it… .does he not see it!!
Does this make me shallow?? Does this mean that he seems them for the gems they are inside and doesn’t pay attention to the coat they wear?? Or is he just as bloody lazy as she is??

SO WHAT RENEE…! What does this have to do with your leadership journey? Well, my friend… Its like this.

Leadership of my family unit is where I practice my best assets. It’s where I feel most rewarded, appreciated, respected and valued. All the things that are most important to me.

So…. after declaring to my dear daughter that we were off to the hairdresser tomorrow after another clash in the bathroom about the dreadlocks in the back of her head…. She was surprisingly ok. She was excited about the change…. Ok… so maybe she was just a little bit convinced by the promise of foils LOL…. But no the less, she was ok. She didn’t go kicking and screaming it was a great big adventure. Why…. Because I am a master manipulator a great leader and talked to her about the greater good of this strategic plan. ROFL It’s not just about knowing which button to press, it’s also about how firmly you press it and at exactly which time, to get the most out of my team.

Until this morning…. Just like in the REAL world…. My little team were working together like clockwork getting themselves ready for their day… packing their own lunch, getting all their stuff ready, just as the great leader had taught them to do …. Then suddenly out of nowhere…. The tears begun!

Poor Kyla… I really felt for her (she really did look much better with long hair), but there was no time to wallow with her in her self pity. I couldn’t glue the hair back on. The great leader in me had to think and think quickly… she had to be happy with her hair and fast!!

I don’t know about you, but I can’t deal with tears (and … and evil mummy payed a visit and said “Kyla, go away for now and when your ready to learn how to deal with this come back and we’ll have a chat” This also gave me some time to think of a cunning plan.

When she came back just a few minutes later, I was ready! I hadn’t put much conscious thought into it… but in the end it was exactly what I wanted to achieve.

Mum: Kyla look at yourself in the mirror and tell me 5 things that are awesome about you
Kyla: 5 that’s that are awesome about you
Mum: don’t be a smart arse
Kyla: I have no idea, there is nothing good anymore cause my hair is gone
Mum: I know one, your really tall (I proceeded to write this on the mirror with lipstick)
Kyla: MUM!! What are you doing
Mum: I’m going to write a list of all the things that are awesome about you.
Kyla: ok…. I’m Bright and Bubbly
Mum: anything ele?
Kyla: I’m smart
Mum: ok, now one more
Kyla: I guess I’m kind of sporty.
Mum: Sweet! Now what of these things is related to your hair?
Kyla: None
Mum: so what does that tell you my darling?
Kyla: No idea mum
Mum: It tells you that you are awesome, despite your hair. None of the things that are awesome about you are related to the way you look… except for your height LOL
Kyla: But everyone is going to tease me cause my hair looks funny.
Mum: Sweetie… if you walk into that room all upset and cowering, you will bring negative thoughts and words to yourself. BUT… if you walk into that room with the confidence of the awesome person you are, you will bring positivity to yourself.
Kyla: sniff… sniff…. Ok mum, thank you *big hug*

FUCK I HOPE THAT WORKS!!! Otherwise I’ll be off to the hairdresser tomorrow to book her in for extensions!