When I casually told my 4th grade daughter that I had ordered her younger sister a summer reading kit from Connection2Creativity, she insisted she wanted one as well — despite the fact she can read chapter books and her sister is in pre-K.
My oldest daughter insisted she didn’t care and wanted to keep reading pre-K books. And so began our daily battle — her desire to be a little kid again and my worry that she’s babyish. My real fear? She will be teased for being immature by her classmates, who have already moved on to TikTok dance videos, wearing shiny makeup, and playing more action-themed video games while she still plays with baby dolls and Play-Doh.
I was also a late bloomer growing up — quiet and socially awkward
Ultimately, my daughter wants reassurance that she’s a good person no matter what her hobbies are
It’s my job as her mom to let her know I have her back no matter what — whether she’s into Avengers or Frozen. Besides, someday she will be 16 and hate me and I’ll miss the days I’m not appreciating as much as I should.
I have moments when I wish I was age 8 again, with no responsibilities. So how can I blame my kid for clinging to her childhood? I can’t. But I do know I’ll cry when I pack up her “baby” toys because it will be the end of an era for her. And that’s OK too.
