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Father's response to son who wanted to be Elsa delights thousands online

'Halloween is about children pretending to be their favourite characters. Just so happens, this week his is a princess,' said Caiden's father, Paul Henson

Alexandra Sims
Thursday 08 October 2015 09:18 EDT
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(Paul Henson/ Facebook)

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A father’s parenting skills have been applauded on social media, after he posted a picture of his son’s Frozen-inspired Halloween costume.

While costume shopping near their home in Virginia, Paul Henson’s three-year-old son, Caiden, decided to break gender-norms by dressing-up as Princess Elsa from the hit Disney film Frozen.

(Paul Henson/ Facebook)

In the Facebook post, which has been shared more than 26,000 times, Mr Henson writes: “Anyone that knows us, knows we generally let Caiden make his own choices, to an extent. Well, he has decided on a Halloween costume. He wants to be Elsa.

“Keep your masculine bulls*** and slutty kids costumes, Halloween is about children pretending to be their favourite characters. Just so happens, this week his is a princess.”

The post was almost universally praised by social media users, who applauded the 28-year-old for his accepting attitude.

Dan Harshman said: “You're an inspiration to fathers everywhere.”

Kristiano Rowlando wrote: “I can only wish my parents had been as accepting and wonderful when I was a kid as you two are.”

Paul Henson/ Facebook
Paul Henson/ Facebook (Paul Henson/ Facebook)

Mr Henson told the Huffington Post: “As children get older, they distance themselves from their parents. Why start that split sooner than they need to? It's important for children to know that their parents will stand by them no matter what.”

Caiden’s mother, Ashley Ramage, echoed his father’s sentiments, saying: "When Caiden said he wanted to be Elsa for Halloween we didn't think twice about it.

“We knew there would be people who didn't agree with it but there is no way we are going to let him think he is wrong for wanting to be his favourite character for Halloween."

Mr Henson said he was also considering dressing up as Elsa’s younger sister, Anna, after a suggestion from his son, and it seems people are just as excited at the prospect of two Frozen princesses.

“Let your inner Disney Princess shine!” said Libby Wright-Cady.

“Can't wait to see you both in character this is the right way to be a parent,” said Khrystah Landers.

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