A recent study revealed that five years old is truly the most adorable age for a child. Sure, I understand that every age has its charm, and I wish they could all last forever. However, age five stands out for a multitude of reasons. With insights from my parenting group, I’ve compiled a list that highlights just what makes this age so special—beyond their undeniable cuteness. Here are 17 reasons why age five is the most delightful age yet.
- At five, children genuinely take joy in being helpful. They haven’t yet discovered that chores can be tedious; they actually find it enjoyable to help with tasks like sweeping or cleaning windows. As my friend Sarah pointed out, they can finally engage in activities they’ve longed to do—like pouring their own water or spreading jam on their toast—without making a complete mess. This is an ideal time to introduce simple chores and foster a sense of teamwork.
- You can engage in authentic conversations, albeit ones that may resemble a whimsical dialogue from Lewis Carroll. The discussions I have with my five-year-old often follow a logical path before taking a delightful detour into the absurd, making me wonder who’s really being silly—me or the little one who insists on discussing his imaginary pet dinosaur?
- They can now reliably hand you items when you’re on a ladder, like light bulbs, instead of running off with them and hiding them. This newfound reliability can prevent accidents and save you from unnecessary mishaps.
- When they compliment your appearance, it comes from a broader perspective of the world around them.
- They possess enough self-awareness to notify you when they’re about to fart in the bath.
- Their humor is developing wonderfully. Yes, it often revolves around silly potty jokes, but hey, it’s a start and I can appreciate a good laugh at any age.
- They are close to wiping their own bottoms. While this may only entail a half-hearted attempt, their effort is commendable.
- They can alert you when younger siblings are quietly removing their diapers in the crib, sparing you from unexpected surprises.
- With longer attention spans, they can engage in projects that may actually pique your interest too, as opposed to the phases of eating paper or pouring water everywhere.
- You’ve moved past the major anxiety-inducing milestones, and the upcoming ones are more about fun—like learning to read.
- The initial stages of reading are enchanting. You realize you’re nearing the end of tedious tales about trains and cars and can soon introduce them to classics like Little House on the Prairie.
- They don’t wake up as early as they used to. While 6 a.m. can still be challenging, it’s a significant improvement from the toddler years of waking up at the crack of dawn.
- Car and plane journeys have become much easier. They can now be entertained, unlike an 18-month-old who wants to roam and scream.
- Birthday party drop-offs are on the horizon. A friend once said, “If you want to experience true timelessness, attend a three-year-old’s birthday party.”
- They are budding philosophers. As my friend Tom noted, “They possess wisdom that rivals the Dalai Lama—my daughter once said, ‘I’ll be whatever age the world needs me to be.’”
- They’re able to play independently for a reasonable amount of time. After years of “Mommy, play with me,” my five-year-old can now entertain himself long enough for me to prepare a meal—though my two-year-old brother is still a bit demanding.
- Alright, let’s admit it—they are incredibly CUTE.
To explore more about the journey of parenthood, check out this post on couples’ fertility journey for intracervical insemination. Also, for support and resources, visit Im Just a Mum, a great community for mothers. If you’re interested in further information on pregnancy and home insemination, the Genetics and IVF Institute is an excellent resource.
In summary, five years old is a remarkable age filled with unique joys and milestones that make parenting special. From their burgeoning independence to their delightful conversations, there’s so much to cherish during this stage.