Ever have those times when you want to tape some strange kids mouth shut? AND maybe the parent who raises the child as well? Me too. I have recently had such an urge. And intense urge.
My Hannah. 6 yrs old. Still loves Dora. LOVES. DORA! Now, I have no psychology background (other than visiting a couple) but I think it’s fine that Hannah still likes Dora. She’s SIX! Yes, she is at the top age, but still there!
Well, around early September, Hannah came home and announced she was going to give away all of her Dora things. She was too big for Dora because Dora was for babies. “Big girls don’t like Dora”
What? Okay. Fine. But why? What was the real reason here. Just the day before she was all over her dolls.
We got out of her that she is the only one with a Dora backpack in her class. Understood. She wants to fit in. Fine. So we just exchange the Dora for a Princess one. Did the trick. She was thrilled and said she still liked Dora, just didn’t want the pack at school. Yay. Score for mom.
Fast forward to a recent PJ day at school she went to. She has PJ’s that are so cute, but she wanted to wear her Dora nightgown over the other PJ’s. Fine. didn’t think anything about it. Had forgotten about September all together.
But she gets home and later she is down spirits, teary. I of course do my mom thing and comfort. Ask her what’s wrong.
She was made fun of at school for wearing Dora. “The girls said Dora is for babies. And Dora Jamma’s are baby”
Hannah was heartbroken. I was furious at the little snots that keep telling her that! Seriously, I’m Native American. I wanted to take someone out like the Godfather.
So as any good mother would do, I asked for their name and address. Mommy would “take care of them”:) Not really of course. But it was a perfect time to talk to her about her confidence. She doesn’t need these girls to tell her what to play with and what to wear. Good friends do not act like that yaddy yaddy…
So here we are. A little girl who enjoys being a little girl. So when I heard about this new Dora doll coming out, I was thrilled. Now the moms with kids younger than mine thought she was going to be “too sexy.” Whatever. She is so NOT too sexy. She is cute as a stinkin button! And perfect for ages 5-8!
This doll quickly found its way under our tree for Hannah. And she is in love! So will tween Dora be okay with these Bratz? Probably not. Part of me doesn’t care if they do or don’t. Part of me hopes Hannah will not care. But she will, for now. She wants friends. She wants to fit into her new school. I cannot blame her. I’ve been in her shoes. I just don’t want her to lose who ‘Hannah’ is along the way.
Those little parent moments are so important to who your child is and who they become. I want her to know that no matter what brand of flippin doll she owns, she is okay with mommy. Just as long as she loves herself enough to defend herself. And loves others enough to defend THEM when they need it as well.
Just a memory I woke up thinking about this morning.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Little punk kids. I want to be able to keep my kids little for as long as I can.
That new Dora is a good compromise for you.
I noticed at Halloween for my 4 year-old’s preschool party that he was the only one dressed cute. He was a monkey. All the other boys were superheroes or sci-fi characters. I figure that I only have so long to keep him in “cute” and I’m going to take full advantage of it!
Shell´s last blog ..Nap, Interrupted
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Our daughter Emerson (3.5) loves Dora. We have the pjs, shows, and recently, a Dora bath castle. I’ll be curious to see how long she’ll ride this Dora wave but like you, this new “tween” Dora will be a nice compromise.
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I SO know what you mean! We want to try to preserve their innocence and protect their little hearts as long as we can, and it DOES anger parents (or the good ones at least) when little snots come along and try to take down OUR sweet kids in order to make themselves feel better. I’m glad Hannah loves her new doll, and you are SO doing the right thing in trying to boost her confidence. She has EVERY reason to be a VERY confident little girl! I hope things go well when school resumes!
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Go Hannah, go against the flow girl! Seriously, what are the kids names and addresses?
ha!
becky @ our sweet peas´s last blog ..Christmas 2009
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