So my sister’s 15-month-old baby girl (Kira) is not playing by some fashion rules. Apparently, she’s not into the whole sandals-without-socks thing. In fact, when my sister (Jenny) tries to put sandals on Kira’s barefeet, you’d think it was the end of the world.

Jenny has tried several times now but without much luck. Kira will have no part of it. She lays on the ground and huffs and puffs and then looks at Jenny like, Why are you being the meanest mommy in the world by making me wear sandals without socks? 

Of course, Jenny has learned over the past 15 months a very important lesson that my mother has always taught: pick your battles. If the worse thing you’re facing with your child is a fashion faux pas or a crazy hair cut or bad taste in music, then count yourself in the lucky ones category. Jenny knows this and has happily accepted it.

Now, when Kira wants her socks on with her sandals, Jenny obliges with a smile. Then, she takes a quick picture of Kira the fashion icon and tucks it away for a later date. Some might consider that a sweet memory. I’m encouraging Jenny to think of it as good ol’ fashioned blackmail.