Mom trusts son saying it’s class dress-up day, then pulls up to the school

A Texas mom put her faith in her 7-year-old son who said it was “Astronauts and Aliens Day” at school, even though she wasn’t entirely convinced he was right.  

Hannah Morrison (@hannahmcmorrison_) posted a clip on TikTok of her son, Knox, heading into school wearing a bright-green inflatable alien costume. Knox had announced his school’s space-themed day with total conviction—despite Morrison never seeing a single email or notice about it. 

Morrison, who shares Knox, Rory and Chloe with husband Paul, told Newsweek that she had read how 7-year-olds crave opportunities and independence in Dr. James C. Dobson’s Bringing Up Boys.

“It’s an age where they really want to feel big and test opportunities of independence, especially little boys who need confidence in making decisions—even if they’re wrong,” Hannah said. “I really believe that this age is the foundation for shaping their decision making and leadership skills.” 

That belief has become a guiding principle in the Morrison household. Hannah and Paul, both pastors at a church in Frisco, Texas, encourage their three kids to take age-appropriate risks and make small daily choices.  

For example, picking which shirt to wear is one, Hannah said. “Then, it becomes bigger chances, like ordering their own meal or even getting their own debit card to earn money on,” she added. “This is teaching them the practice of saving toward something they want.

“They first were frivolous and would just buy anything they could possibly get with their money that was available to them for spending,” Hannah said. “But now, after a few ‘quick buys,’ they have learned they would rather save toward things they really want.” 

But that morning’s independence exercise put the mom of three on the spot, given Knox broke the news about “Astronauts and Aliens Day” that same day. 

“I really thought he was pulling my leg,” Hannah said. “Our school is incredible at communication … and I had zero knowledge of this. I still think that email had to have gone to spam or something weird happened, because there was nothing to be found on it in my inbox.” 

Hannah texted another mom for confirmation, who said her daughter had also brought it up, but couldn’t find any communication from the school either. 

Hannah had a decision to make: projecting her fear of him being wrong; or letting her son learn through experience.  

“The worst that happens is he has to change and we laugh about it,” Hannah said. “The best that happens is my son feels loved and trusted.” 

When Hannah and Knox pulled up to school, it didn’t look promising, as no other children were dressed up.  

“I saw one teacher in a metallic red skirt covered by a rain jacket, but it was the only potential astronaut outfit I saw,” Hannah said. “But he was so confident and bobbled off to class!” 

Hours later, Hannah returned to pick him up and got her answer. “He wasn’t in costume anymore, so I asked, ‘Well … was it really Astronauts and Aliens Day?’ And he said, ‘Yes!’ My costume batteries died. We need to pack more next time!’” Hannah added. 

Looking back, the mom said she wouldn’t change a thing. “It was so good for me and stretched me, as motherhood often does,” she added. “I told [Knox] how proud of him I was for sticking to what he knew, and he thanked me for believing him.”