Children have a way of teaching us valuable lessons, reminding us about what truly matters in life. They see the world through innocent eyes, free from the judgments and biases that adults often carry. As parents, we try to guide them, but sometimes, they end up teaching us the most important lessons. A recent trip to Target with my daughter Sophia reminded me of this, as her choice left me reflecting on the beauty of simplicity and the power of innocence.
Nick and I had made a deal with Sophia – if she successfully used the potty for a whole month, she would earn the right to pick out a special prize at Target. This was a significant milestone for any parent. After weeks of potty training and celebrating each success, the day had finally arrived. Sophia was beyond excited. She had her heart set on a new doll, and we couldn’t wait to see her choice.
Walking through the aisles of Target, I could see the joy in Sophia’s eyes. She had worked so hard to achieve her goal, and we wanted to reward her for it. After carefully considering her options, she found her perfect prize – a beautiful doll. This doll had dark brown hair, a stethoscope, and a kind smile. It was clear that Sophia had found a companion that she adored. This doll was more than just a reward; Sophia saw something in her that resonated with her own dreams.
Sophia’s choice made perfect sense. For weeks, she had been talking about wanting to be a doctor, and this doll was dressed just like a doctor. She was happy with her decision, and Nick and I were proud to see her confidently make that choice.
However, a seemingly innocent question from the cashier changed the atmosphere. The cashier looked at Sophia and the doll in her hands and asked, “Are you going to a birthday party?” It seemed like a harmless question, but the assumption behind it was that the doll was a gift for someone else. It hadn’t crossed her mind that Sophia had chosen this doll for herself.
I stepped in to explain that the doll was a prize for Sophia’s successful potty training. But the cashier’s next question caught me off guard – “Are you sure this is the doll you want, honey?” Her tone made the question uncomfortable. Sophia, still too young to understand the complexity of the situation, looked at her blankly, unsure of how to respond.
Before I could say anything, Sophia found her voice and responded confidently. She said, “Yes, she does. She’s a doctor like I’m a doctor. And I’m a pretty girl, and she’s a pretty girl. See her pretty hair? And see her stethoscope?” In that moment, I was speechless. Sophia’s innocent wisdom had shut down the cashier’s misguided assumption. To her, it wasn’t about skin color or appearance; it was about shared qualities and dreams. Sophia saw herself in the doll because they both wanted to be doctors.
This experience reminded me that children see the world with different eyes than adults. They don’t see divisions based on external traits like skin color; they see beauty and possibility in everything. Sophia didn’t choose that doll because of her appearance but because of the qualities she admired. It made me realize how we, as adults, often complicate things that are inherently simple.
The cashier’s comment, though well-intentioned, reflected a societal mindset that places too much emphasis on appearance. But as parents, we have the power to break that cycle. We can teach our children that what truly matters is not how someone looks, but their kindness, intelligence, and dreams.
Sophia’s response to the cashier was a beautiful example of this. She didn’t let the cashier’s comments change her decision. In her mind, she had picked the perfect doll, and no one could tell her otherwise. She reminded me of the importance of nurturing our children’s self-worth based on who they are, not how they look.
As we drove home, Sophia held her new doll tightly, unaware of the powerful lesson she had just taught me. I looked at her in the rearview mirror, marveling at the way children see the world. To them, skin color is just another feature that makes people unique and beautiful. Sophia’s innocent response confirmed that we aren’t born with the idea that color matters; it is something society teaches us. But if we nurture the innocence and kindness in children, we can create a future where everyone is judged by the content of their character.
Our trip to Target that day was more than just a doll or a reward. It was a reminder to celebrate innocence and diversity. Children have a way of reminding us about what truly matters and how to see the world through a lens of acceptance and love. Let us strive to build a world where diversity is celebrated and where dreams and aspirations are what truly connect us all.
