Parenting
10 Things Your Youngest Child Gets Away With
by Laura Henderson
Updated: Dec. 21, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 28, 2023
I used to think I had completely spoiled my eldest child. As an only child for five years, he received ample attention and got away with a plethora of things. I struggled to teach him to pick up his toys or help around the house. I was more like his personal chef than a parent. My world revolved around him until his little sister came along.
However, it turns out that his little sister has more freedom than he ever did. Despite my efforts to spoil my firstborn, I watched him like a hawk, overseeing every little detail of his life. My youngest is a free spirit, and I’ve become more relaxed as a parent. After years of parenting my first, I’ve learned that not everything needs to be perfect.
Now, at almost 4 years old, she’s my last child, and I find myself indulging her whims and wanting to keep her young forever. Just the other day, I jokingly suggested we could cancel her birthday to keep her 3 for another year.
Here are some other things we often let slide with our youngest that would have been unthinkable with our oldest:
- First Foods from the Doormat
True story! When my youngest was just 5 months old, I caught her shoving dirt from the doormat into her mouth. I was appalled yet couldn’t help but laugh. - Keeping Baby Gear Too Long
I recently parted with the crib that had been in our bedroom for a decade, even though my children barely used it. I simply can’t bear to let go of baby items because I want to hold onto that stage of life. - Candy as a Solution
I always have a lollipop in my bag. Whether it’s to coax her into the car or to keep her quiet during a long meeting, candy has become a quick fix that I don’t feel guilty about. - Learning through Apps
While my first child was immersed in books, my youngest mastered her colors and shapes through an app she learned to navigate by herself before she turned one. Who knew parenting could be this easy? - No Rush to Wean or Ditch Comfort Items
I used to be adamant about weaning, but with my youngest, I’m less hurried. I’ve learned to cherish these fleeting moments, even if it means she still carries her blanket around. - Goldfish for Every Meal
With picky eaters in the house, Goldfish crackers often become the go-to meal. I remind myself that it’s just a phase, and soon she’ll be munching on carrot sticks. - Encouraging Baby Talk
Instead of correcting her adorable mispronunciations, I find myself wanting to hear her say “lemonade” as “lema-lade” for as long as possible. It’s these little quirks that make her who she is. - Less Concern Over Minor Ailments
When my youngest complained of a “heart ache,” I momentarily panicked but then saw her sprinting around the living room in her underwear shortly after. I would have rushed my first to the doctor for such a concern. - Letting Chaos Reign
I’ve allowed my youngest to make a mess of the house just for a moment of peace. Whether it’s pouring soap or rolling in laundry, I often choose silence over order. - Sobbing Over Birthdays
As her next birthday approaches, I find myself in tears, overwhelmed by the thought of her growing up. I might have just purchased a mountain of toys to soften the blow of her turning four.
I’m convinced that if I could freeze time, I would keep her at this age forever. As long as she still wants to cuddle, I’ll gladly ignore the chaos around me and savor these precious moments.
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Summary:
Parenting styles often shift from the first to the youngest child. With each child, parents tend to become more relaxed, allowing for more freedom and indulgence. This article shares ten humorous insights into how the youngest child often gets away with things that would have been unthinkable for their older siblings, reflecting the bittersweet nature of watching them grow up.