a minor mothering defect

He was a young, hip, "good looking and knows it" type surgeon. He studied Nick's mangled finger closely, confirming the need for surgery. "Don't you hate it when they insist on doing their own hair?" he asked smoothly as he filled out the paperwork. I turned to look at my 6 year old, his golden bangs pushed skyward. I mumbled something awkward as my face flushed hot. I had been the hairdresser that day and every day prior for that matter.

I've had other comments about my children's hair. They were only heightened by the arrival of a little girl, who unfortunately for her wasn't born bald.

Women sigh and stare off into some distant euphoria as they proclaim their desire to bare a little girl, solely for the purpose of styling her hair. I have something to say to these women; It's overrated. First of all, some little girls cry loud enough to elicit a call to DCFS while you're combing their hair. Second, they might have the curse of your baby fine locks. As if it wasn't bad enough trying to style your OWN each morning. And third, some women's genetic makeup just don't lend itself to french braids, straight parts, curling irons and ribbons.

Luckily I've documented each of my children's underwhelming hairstyles so we'll have plenty of material to keep them humble. There will be no Holier than Thou plastic surgeons raised by these parents . . .