As one phase comes to a close, another begins. For example, consider the summer when my daughter, Lily, was about to turn 3. I stumbled upon a flyer announcing a local performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Taking a toddler to a musical for the first time is a delightful gamble; the outcome is always uncertain.
As the show commenced, I was captivated by Lily’s rapt attention, even though she had skipped her afternoon nap. While the music was enchanting, my focus was on her face, eager to capture her expressions of wonder. I was able to sneak glances at her little face at the most magical moments. I cherished the sparkle in her eyes during the townsfolk’s cheerful “Bonjour! Bonjour! Bonjour, bonjour, bonjour!” and the beaming smile that spread across her cheeks during the lively “Be Our Guest.”
However, when the wolves appeared on stage, I felt a twinge of anxiety, concerned she might be frightened. The auditorium was dim, with the wolves’ glowing yellow eyes racing through the shadows. The atmosphere shifted, and the intense music set a dark tone as the wolves pursued Belle’s father.
To my surprise, a high-pitched sound erupted from Lily—initially a shriek that swiftly transformed into infectious laughter. The unexpected joy in her reaction was so loud that audience members around us began to chuckle. She was laughing at these “terrifying” wolves.
As we exited the theater, Lily looked up at me with her big brown eyes and exclaimed, “Those wolves were so funny, Mommy!” I smiled and replied, “They were, just like you!”
Once we got back to the car, I handed her a bag containing my cherished Belle and Beast dolls from my own childhood. She gleefully danced them across her lap on our way home, and, as you might guess, our home soon became filled with a whirlwind of Disney princess paraphernalia—princess-themed toothbrushes, vibrant pads of paper, books, and stickers that seemed to multiply overnight.
T-shirts, socks, and accessories adorned with princesses took over her wardrobe, including those ever-essential princess underwear.
During moments when I thought this phase would never conclude, I reminded myself of my own childhood obsessions. Around the age of 11 or 12, I had a fascination with horror movies that my parents supported wholeheartedly. Weekend trips to the video store became a ritual, and my father’s gentle chuckle accompanied my selections of VHS tapes. I would even save my babysitting earnings to purchase horror magazines, which featured my beloved villains instead of the teenage heartthrobs that most girls my age adored.
My passion for horror culminated when I attended a screening of A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child with my dad, followed by sleepovers where I would wield my Freddy Krueger doll to terrify my friends. It was a peculiar phase for a girl who otherwise enjoyed crafts and light reading.
We all navigate various phases as children; some might be more unusual than others, but each is a vital part of their growth. No matter what interests my children pursue, I am committed to supporting them, just as my parents supported me.
If my eldest daughter opts for an all-black wardrobe for a year, so be it. If my son chooses to immerse himself in Dungeons and Dragons every Friday night throughout high school, I’m on board. If my youngest daughter decides to adopt vegetarianism at 12, I will embrace that too. Should any phase evolve into a lasting lifestyle, I will welcome it with open arms. After all, how could I not, having experienced my own peculiar phase with Freddy Krueger?
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In summary, as parents, it’s essential to provide unwavering support and love to our children through all their phases, no matter how strange or unconventional they may seem.
Keyphrase: Unconditional love for children
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