Growing up: They get it

There's a sweet video circulating in social media circles that shows a 5-year-old girl becoming very upset upon realizing her baby brother isn't going to stay a baby forever.  The girl is adorable and her emotions are so sincere.  Growing up, growing old and dying are all very tricky topics to talk about with kiddos.

A NY Magazine article today looks at when kids realize they're going to grow up.  One study says children between ages 3 and 5 think that birthday parties cause aging; you don't become another year older until you have a party.  I love that.  Another study finds that even young preschoolers can understand the basic premise of aging.  They might get some of the details wrong, but they understand more than we often give them credit for.

My mother died before Riloh and Daphne were born, so we call her our special angel Grandma Pat.  They can pick Grandma Pat out in photos and Riloh is starting to remember stories that she has been told about her special angel.  Last January Riloh was looking for one of her dolls and we couldn't find it anywhere.  After a few days of searching she said to me, "I think he died, Mommy.  He's an angel now."  Woah.  Yup, she's paying attention.

Some fun extras:

This is an awesome book for recording the wonderful things your kids say.  I keep one on my bookshelf and I've given it several times as a gift.

Here's a beautiful keepsake growth chart to hang on the wall.  And this one.  And these.

Paul McCartney is in town on Sunday.  Vote for your favorite PM song here.

Stylish and motivational wall decor.