I hadn’t realized there was a downside to turning six. I have heard there are downsides to aging, but that’s a conversation for the 30+ crowd-or so I thought. Lexi turned six today, and it has been a highly anticipated event in our house, not because of any major plans or gifts, but because it marks a new year of firsts-first day of first grade, first year of being able to attend daddy/daughter banquets at church, first camping trips, etc…We have all been excited.

But in the midst of the excitement and fun of today, Lexi stated that she wished she didn’t have to grow older. I don’t know what I expected her to say. I’ve stopped trying to anticipate her words and actions at all since I’m so often wrong.
Why not, Lexi? Growing up is a beautiful experience.

“No, momma. Grown-ups have more fights than children. I just want to stay a child.”

Lexi, what does that mean?

“Well, when you grow up and get married, you get into fights and you have to ask for forgiveness. And when you go to work, you get into fights with other people. Momma, I’ve seen that at school with teachers. And when you grow up, sometimes your friends get mad and you and don’t want to be your friend anymore.”

Don’t you think children fight, too?

“Yes, momma, but not as much as grown-ups do.”
She is absolutely right. Other parents and I often laugh at the cute drama that plays out in the lives of our children, but the drama isn’t so cute anymore by the time we reach adulthood. And those little dramas turn into marital strife, office politics and grudges that end friendships. Adults are so much more complicated than children because we have hidden agendas. Let me give you an example.

Lexi will walk up to her daddy and ask, "Can we go to Target? I really want an Icee.” See? No ulterior motive or pretense. Unlike me.

“Honey, I think I’m going to head to Target and get a couple of things we need. Ummm…what things? Well, we could use more deodorant and dish soap, can’t we?” Then I come home $50 poorer with a bunch of crap I didn’t need but just felt like getting and couldn’t really justify.

That might be a petty example, but it’s a microcosm of what happens when adults communicate with each other. We do bicker more. But I was determined to convince Lexi that growing up had its benefits.

When you get older, you get to drive. “Don’t want to drive, momma. Too many bad drivers.”

When you get older, you can live on your own. “Don’t want to momma, I like being with you and daddy every day.”

When you get older, you become a better speller. Earlier today, she had texted a message to her aunt that said, “have a buttful day” instead of a “beautiful” day.

After some consideration, Lexi decided that spelling was a worthy reason for growing older.

Phew!! But truth be told, I’d prefer she stay little, too…