Little-Big Girl: Can She Still Be Little?

Over the past three years, I’ve watched my baby become an opinionated “big” girl. I remember one morning when she was almost seven months old, I went to get her from a nap, and she was standing in her crib, and lo and behold, two teeth had popped through. This was just one of many “big” girl moments. With every milestone, she has become more independent, more vocal, and shockingly, physically bigger.

The most changes I’ve seen, though, have been since we brought her little sisters home. How many times did I tell her she would be a “big” sister? Or what a “big” helper she was? Too many times to even count. Then when the babies were about two months old she potty trained. Again, all the praise for being a “big” girl for going on the potty.

Well, now she truly believes she is a “big” girl. She has attempted to do things that adults do, such as trying to drive the car (don’t worry, no keys were in the car, but I was instructed to get them and put a song on), letting expected guests in the house, and perhaps deciding she would like to go outside by herself. She also now claims she is the “mommy” and nurses her dolls, changes them, and speaks to them the same way she says to her sisters. Putting her dishes in the sink and her spoons in the dishwasher has become a daily routine.

I love that she feels so independent and mature, but then there are moments when she melts down over ridiculous things. A recent example: I didn’t perform the correct verse during “Wheels on the Bus.” Also, she still refuses to put her underwear and pants on by herself. Then I remember: yes, she is three; she is still so little.

So now I wonder, what other praise can I give her for these milestones and budding maturity, without telling her she is so “big?”  She needs to be little a while longer.

What’s a mom to do?