When I was pregnant I had a baby shower where ladies went around and gave advice.
Many women who had children old and grown poured thoughts and tips, mostly inspirational.
Then a random “tip” broke the Hallmark Flow :
“Let your child have the cheesy character birthdays and light up shoes”.
She went on to explain that we have ideals in our heads of what our child will be like, and whereas we can guide, ultimately we need to allow the Holy Spirit to lead the narrative of their life; cartoon interests and all. This is a part of cherishing who they are and the season they are in.
I remember smiling politely and yet making a vow inside:
Pop Culture characters will not be a part of clothes and celebrations. My children will be “classier” than the average child. ( Rolling my eyes now at the pompous parental mentality I had)
Whereas I am grateful that we have been able to give our children a fairly large world view and culture, they also are children who like “kiddie” things. They love both Bach and Paw Patrol. I love that.
Fast Forward a few years after that baby shower, I smiled hearing that wise advice again in my heart when my daughter lit up with delight when picking her cake.
“THAT’S WHAT I WANT! I LOVE IT!” What was her selection? Rainbow Sprinkle Hello Kitty.
I was grateful to celebrate with a “Yes! How fun!”
So here we are, having a character birthday and what a delight to embrace this season of our sparkly girl.
Why share this? Well, perhaps you needed this wise Mama’s wisdom too. Maybe you want your children to be sophisticated or cool, but let’s remember they are children. In the age of “picture perfect” I think it is a good reminder that everything doesn’t have to be adult aesthetic. Pinterest Polish really isn’t always the goal. Sometimes the child wants to be a child. They aren’t small for long, so let’s let them have moments to be little.
Buy the light up shoes. Sing over the character cake. What a delight to have a child in your life.
In His Joy,
Abby
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