Do you support your kids individualism

Hi! Although I'm child-free, so I don't now and won't have kids, I wanted to respond and let you know I think it's wonderful you're supporting your kids through their teen ages. Your mother sounds extremely biased and even to the point of cruel if she says she won't speak to you because of her granddaughter's hair. That IS such a superficial part of a person. Growing up, my brother and I had parents that respected us as well. I dyed my hair quite a few times and in different colors, and still do, and my mom would get excited rather than freaked out. My brother expressed himself wearing gothic clothing (and still does), and instead of getting freaked out about that, my mom supported him. It's very important for parents to realize that their children truly are human beings all on their own, and keeping them from expressing their individuality is only going to make them resent you or lash out later in life. Of course, it doesn't speak very highly of the parents that don't allow their kids to actually be individuals. One of my childhood friends always wanted to wear gothic clothing but her parents didn't allow it. She now hasn't spoken to them in years because she is going to be who she is, she says, whether they like it or not. She is now doing much better on her own and is expressing herself a little late in life because she couldn't do it earlier. Yet my brother could have had the same problem if my parents were materialistic--but doesn't, and has a great relationship with them. I'm not saying it's a direct link, but it's a huge factor in a person's life.