Daughter's objection to the kilt - need advice.

[Nathan]

Hmmm.. in my family, my dad taught me to respect my Highland heritage and I did. He exposed me to music, tartan, Clan and immediate family history, Cape Breton Island history etc...

Although he didn't own a kilt, he wore (and wears) his tartan waistcoats with pride.

Then at 12, I joined an army cadet corps that was affiliated to the local Highland regiment. I played snare drum in a pipe band briefly, went to Scottish concerts, ceilidhs etc. Then, Celtic music enjoyed a bit of a boom and local musicians enjoyed some national international success. This filled me with pride and motivated me to get even more into the culture and learn the tunes and songs etc...

You can see kilts at many (though far from all) Scottish events around Cape Breton. To me, it was just a natural part of life. So, like others have said, just be yourself about it and be proud. Pride is infectious.

In addition to that, I would also get involved with the broader Scottish culture where you live. Join the local St. Andrews Society, attend Burns dinners, Highland Games etc... if there are any ceilidhs, go to them.

If you integrate your family into the local Scottish community (assuming there is one), your daughter will meet people her age that are also proud of their Scottish roots. Admittedly, this is much easier to do in Cape Breton than it is in some other places, but I have found that the blood is strong and when you go looking, you can find little pockets of Scots doing Scottish things in most parts of North America.

If that fails, take the family to Cape Breton in October for the Celtic Colours Festival. They'll be hooked for sure. ;)