As one phase wraps up, another begins. For example, I remember when my daughter, Mia, dove headfirst into her Disney princess obsession. It all started one summer when she was about to turn three. I came across a flyer for a local rendition of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and I thought it would be the perfect first musical experience for her.
The moment the show began, Mia was completely captivated, despite having skipped her afternoon nap. The music was delightful, but my focus was entirely on her. I wanted to capture every expression of joy and wonder on her face. I glanced over when the townspeople sang, “Bonjour! Bonjour! Bonjour, bonjour, bonjour!” and I could see the light in her eyes. When the iconic “Be Our Guest” sequence unfolded, her smile seemed to light up the entire auditorium.
Then came the wolves. The theater was nearly dark, and I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. But from Mia’s lips erupted a sound that transformed from a startled shriek into uncontrollable giggles. The audience joined in, laughing at her delight with these so-called “frightening” wolves.
As we left, Mia looked up at me with wide blue eyes and exclaimed, “Those wolves were so funny, Mommy!” I couldn’t help but smile back and say, “They were hilarious, just like you!”
When we got to the car, I handed her a bag filled with my cherished Belle and Beast dolls from childhood. She danced around with them, and soon enough, our home was overtaken by princess paraphernalia: toothbrushes, notepads in shades of pink and “Cinderella blue,” books, and an endless supply of stickers that somehow ended up everywhere.
The princess frenzy didn’t stop there; it extended to clothes, including T-shirts, socks, shorts, and yes, even princess-themed underwear. Just when I thought it might never end, I reminded myself of my own childhood phases.
At around twelve, I was obsessed with horror films, a phase my parents fully embraced. I would save my babysitting money to buy VHS tapes and horror magazines, much to my dad’s bemusement. My room was adorned with posters of Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees, alongside my beloved Baby-Sitters Club series.
The pinnacle of my horror fascination was a trip to see A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child with my dad. Afterward, I would host sleepovers where I’d scare my friends with my Freddy doll, singing eerie nursery rhymes in the dark. Despite my quirky interests, I had the support of my parents, and I hope to offer the same to my children.
Whether my oldest wants to wear all black for an extended period, my son is dedicated to his Dungeons and Dragons sessions, or my youngest decides to become a vegetarian at twelve, I will champion their choices. And when those phases evolve into lifestyles, I’ll embrace those too — after all, my own Freddy Krueger phase taught me the importance of acceptance.
For more parenting insights and support during these phases, check out our other blog posts at Intracervical Insemination. If you’re on a journey to parenthood, Make a Mom has excellent resources regarding at-home insemination kits. Additionally, for anyone considering IVF, Healthline is an excellent reference.
Summary
Navigating the various phases of childhood can be a delightful challenge for parents. Every new interest—from princesses to horror films—deserves encouragement and support. By embracing these phases, parents can create lasting memories and foster a deep bond with their children.