How did we get to seven already? I swear you were just lying in the hospital bassinet, swaddled in a pink blanket with a bow on your head. When I say it out loud, it sounds like ages ago…but then, other times it feels like just yesterday. I recall reading that seven is a magical age, as it marks the transition from early childhood to middle childhood. Seven is far from a baby but still a ways from the world of teenagers. Seven still plays with dolls and stuffed animals, but she can get dressed by herself. Seven is more independent. Seven is totally comfortable with going to school every day. Seven is the stage where you have your own opinions and thoughts without any filter. Seven still needs her mom, but wants to do as much as she can by herself. Seven is figuring out who your friends are and how to decide what’s most important. Seven still wants to be snuggled, cuddled, and read to, but also claims she doesn’t need help anymore.
As a parent, one of the best things is to watch you develop your own personality, form your own ideas about the world, and see what gifts you are going to share with the world. Some days, it feels like you have every opportunity in front of you and you can’t wait to see what’s next. But then there are times when, as your mom, it gets really scary and dark, and I worry about the world you are growing up in. I worry about how people are treating each other, how angry everyone seems to be, and how ruthless kids can be, and it breaks my heart. The mom in me wants to shield you from the world’s ugliness, but I also know that seeing it is necessary to change it. It’s hard to balance protecting you from the dark side of this world and still wanting you to experience it on your own.
But seven? Seven is ready for the world. Seven can’t wait to share her gifts, talents, and creativity with those around her. She is loud, obnoxious, excited, and ready to take on whatever life throws her way. The question is…is the world ready for you?
Go get ‘em, seven! Mom and Dad will always be in your corner as your biggest cheerleaders. We love you!
