Time to reflect

 A whole new world opens up for a boy when he is introduced into girlhood. The clothes, the makeup, the jewelry, the way of moving and speaking,... so many new experiences that might be perceived as overwhelming. Therefore, girl time should be introduced gradually, in small steps, giving the boy the chance to reflect on these new experiences.

“So, Zach, tell me, what do you think of the blouse you are wearing? How is it different from what you are used to wear?”

“Eh... first of all, it’s the fabric. It is so much lighter, softer and smoother than my own clothes...”

“Zach, remember, these are also your ‘own’ clothes now.”

“Oh yes, sorry, I mean ‘than my boy clothes’.”

“Okay, what else?”

“The puffed sleeves, that is also something new, and it feels very girly.”

“And can you describe what ‘girly’ means?”

“Well, I think ‘delicate’ and ‘pretty’, which is a bit weird, since I’ve never felt that way as a boy.”

“Oh, don’t worry, you’re still a boy. You are just experiencing new things, and that’s exactly why we are doing this. Is there anything else on your mind now?”

“Yes, it’s not only the blouse of course. The skirt just adds to the lightness, as if I am wearing less clothes. My body feels more uncovered.”

“I understand what you mean, but don’t worry, you are still very decent. You might feel a bit more exposed, but you’ll get used to that.”

“Okay.”

“Now let’s talk about the makeup. Perhaps tell me first what we did.”

“Well, you applied some blush and eye shadow, and mascara, and you told me how to use the lipstick. I must say I have mixed feelings about those things. Although I don’t see myself now, I feel that I have makeup on me, and I am very aware of it. It still feels a bit inappropriate, but when I saw myself in the mirror, I had to admit that I looked better.”

“Exactly, you do look better, and you don’t need to be ashamed of feeling that way. Today I gave you your own little set of makeup articles, and I want you to practice with them. Now, is there anything else you have on your mind?”

“Yes, it's my hair. It's styled in a boyish way, and I was wondering if I should wear a wig or so.”

“I see, well, that depends. One option is to keep it that way. There is no reason to be ashamed for being a boy who likes to wear pretty clothes. I'm not really in favor of a wig, since it is less natural. The other option is that we let your hair grow, which of course will take some time, and has a more permanent character. In the meantime we could try to style it in a more girlish way, and perhaps add some pins or a bow. Would you like that?”

“I think I would feel more comfortable then. Can we try it?”

“Try what exactly? Remember what I told you. You have to ask it the proper way.”

“Madeline, could you please style my hair in a more girlish way, and add a bow?”

“Of course I could! You're such a sweet boy!”