I once believed I had totally spoiled my first child, Max. He was my only little guy for five years, and I doted on him like a prized possession. I didn’t exactly instill a sense of responsibility in him—cleaning up toys? Nah. I was basically his personal chef, catering to his every whim. But then came his younger brother, Leo, and I quickly realized that Leo gets away with even more than Max ever did.
Despite my best efforts to be the “perfect” parent with Max, I scrutinized his every move. With Leo, I’ve loosened the reins a bit. After years of parenting, I’ve learned that it’s okay if things aren’t perfect. Now, at nearly four years old, I find myself letting Leo indulge in all sorts of antics. Honestly, I’m doing everything I can to keep him from growing up. Just the other day, I jokingly suggested we could cancel his birthday to keep him 3 for a little while longer.
If you’re a parent of a youngest child, you might find yourself nodding in agreement with these ten things they get away with that would have never been allowed for their older siblings:
- First Foods Aren’t Always Gourmet: Let’s be honest—Leo’s first taste of “food” was probably a handful of dirt from the doormat. It was a shocking discovery, but apparently, he thought it was a snack!
- Holding on to Baby Gear: I recently bid farewell to the crib that lived in our room for a decade (which my kids barely used). I cling to these relics of babyhood, knowing I’ll miss that stage more than I’d like to admit.
- Candy as a Quick Fix: I carry lollipops in my purse like they’re essential survival gear. Whether it’s a car trip or a parent-teacher meeting, sometimes you just have to resort to bribery.
- Tech-Savvy Learning: While I spent countless afternoons reading with Max, Leo learned his colors and letters from an app before he even turned one. Gotta love modern parenting!
- No Rush to Grow Up: I’ve taken my time with the weaning process and pacifier phase with Leo. Unlike my firstborn, I’m in no hurry to rush him out of babyhood, because I know it’ll be over before I know it.
- Goldfish for Every Meal: With picky eaters, sometimes it’s all about survival. Goldfish crackers have been a staple in our household, and hey, it’s just a phase, right?
- Baby Talk Forever: I’ll admit it—I want Leo to keep his adorable baby words as long as possible. We did everything to prolong “lemonade” as “lema-lade.”
- Less Doctor Visits for Scrapes: When Leo said his heart hurt today, I barely batted an eye. With Max, I would’ve been on the phone with the pediatrician in a heartbeat.
- Messy Playtime is Allowed: Letting Leo wreak havoc in the house is just a part of life now. If it means peace and quiet for me, I’ll allow him to pour soap all over the sink for an hour.
- Emotional Meltdowns Over Birthdays: As Leo’s next birthday approaches, I can’t help but feel teary-eyed. I may have even gone on a shopping spree for toys that would make any kid’s head spin—sorry, Max!
Ultimately, if there were a way to freeze time and keep Leo my little baby forever, I would jump at the chance. As long as he wants to curl up in my lap, I’ll gladly ignore the chaos around me—because those fleeting moments are worth it.
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Summary: This article humorously explores the ways in which the youngest child in a family often gets away with behaviors that their older siblings never could. From indulging in dirt as a snack to using candy as a bribe, these moments reflect a more lenient approach to parenting, especially as parents cherish the fleeting nature of childhood.