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Why I’m Absolutely Relishing Age 7
I’ve developed a habit of assigning quirky nicknames to each developmental stage my kids hit. We’ve all heard about the tumultuous twos, the terrible threes, and the fierce fours. Then there are the frustrating fives (seriously, why are they still testing boundaries?), the challenging sixes (especially with my spirited six-year-old twins), and my current favorite: the sociable and empathetic sevens.
My oldest, Ben, is the epitome of a typical 7-year-old: hilarious, adventurous, sassy, fiercely independent, and adorably mischievous—all bundled into one charming package. I anticipated the usual battles over screen time, the endless negotiations about eating vegetables (which often felt like mediating a UN summit), and the occasional sibling squabble.
What took me by surprise, however, was how much smarter and more mature he has become—and how willing he is to share that growth with me. He engages in conversations with strangers, expresses his thoughts freely, and shows remarkable respect for service workers. When sent to his room for calling his brothers names, he rarely sulks; instead, he’s out there exploring the world around him.
Ben has been keenly following the election cycle, eagerly absorbing news stories and forming opinions of his own. One night, when I mentioned wanting to volunteer for a campaign, he jumped right in and asked if he could join me. He willingly sacrificed some weekend fun to knock on doors in our neighborhood, learning about civics firsthand rather than from a dull textbook.
After political debates, our mornings are filled with his enthusiastic recaps, often punctuated by my partner’s laughter at how spot-on Ben’s observations are. He’s been itching to join us at an upcoming rally, but when we told him he couldn’t make it, he simply said, “That’s fine, but the babysitter will let me watch it on TV, right?”
Having witnessed my partner and I engage in various charitable acts, whether it’s volunteering our time or simply sharing a meal with those less fortunate, it’s heartwarming to see Ben stepping into that world as well. He recently filled out a donation envelope for a charity we support, and my partner is helping him write the check.
At a recent event, he met a man in need and immediately emptied his pockets of all his change. We later discussed his choice, and he expressed a profound thought: “Mom, I don’t need to make a difference for everyone, just for someone.”
The next day, his grandmother gifted him a small bill and advised him to save some for himself.
As I tucked him in after our family vacation, I asked about his favorite moments. He excitedly recounted seeing the Liberty Bell (“because it’s made of Liberty!”), visiting Independence Hall (“where we signed the Declaration of Independence and became a country!”), and of course, attending an MLB game.
As parents, we often get swept away by our kids’ vibrant personalities and start dreaming about their futures. Ben seems destined to be a little activist or politician who will undoubtedly impact many lives—he’s already made a significant difference in mine.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a Lego dispute to resolve.
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In summary, age 7 has been a delightful surprise filled with unexpected maturity, compassion, and a growing sense of civic responsibility from my son. Watching him navigate this stage has been both rewarding and enlightening.