MY 5-YEAR-OLD REFUSED TO CUT HER HAIR, SAYING, “I WANT MY REAL DADDY TO RECOGNIZE ME WHEN HE COMES BACK” A few months ago, our little Lily started refusing to let us trim her hair. She’d sit in the bathroom, clutching her long, golden curls, and say, “No, Daddy, I want my hair to stay long!” Sara and I didn’t think much of it at first—she’s five, kids have their little quirks, right? We just let it go and figured it wasn’t a big deal. Then the gum incident happened. During movie night, Lily fell asleep with gum in her mouth, and by the time we realized it, her curls were a sticky mess. Sara and I tried everything—peanut butter, ice, all the tricks—but it was hopeless. Sara finally said, “Sweetheart, we’re going to have to cut this part out.” Lily’s face just… twisted in panic. She jumped out of her chair, clutching her hair like her life depended on it. “No! You can’t cut it! I need my real daddy to recognize me when he comes back!” Sara went pale. I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. What was she talking about? I AM her real daddy. “Lily,” I said gently, “what do you mean?” She started tearing up, holding her hair even tighter. “Grandma said I have to keep it a secret!” Story continues in the first comment