Dear Last Kid,
Let me start by saying, I understand. As the youngest of four brothers, I was the perpetual recipient of hand-me-downs, wearing whatever my older siblings outgrew—whether it was trendy, tattered, or barely still functional. I was perpetually stuck in the past, wearing clothes and shoes that were at least a decade out of style. I found myself yearning for anything new, from socks to hair accessories, as I wandered through toy stores and clothing aisles.
I vowed that when I became a parent, my youngest would not endure the same fate. No more faded shirts, frayed pants, or mismatched pajamas for my little one! I imagined a world filled with brand-new gear, shiny toys, and fresh experiences. But then I had four boys. Yes, four. How could I resist the urge to save and reuse everything?
So here we are—my youngest is now sporting shorts from the late ’90s. I even stumbled upon a shirt recently that had four names scratched off the tag, which means it has been passed down through multiple families before landing in our home. Technically, that shirt could have been worn by eight different kids! I consider that a significant #ParentingWin.
I feel no shame in admitting that my fourth child has slept in a previously used crib, worn cloth diapers that his brothers once filled, and played with toys that have seen better days. That first pair of expensive walking shoes I bought for my eldest? They eventually found their way onto my youngest’s feet. He’s played with old toys, sipped from cracked sippy cups, and worn Halloween costumes that were once his brothers’.
Do I feel guilty about my hand-me-down kid? Absolutely not! It’s so much simpler to unpack boxes of clothes and toys than to drag a child through a store. Plus, think of all the money we’ve saved—plenty enough for more lattes for me!
The best part? My youngest has a remarkable appreciation for the value of things. When I do splurge on something new for him, he expresses genuine gratitude. He understands that items aren’t merely disposable; he knows what repurposing means and adopts an attitude of appreciation that his older brothers sometimes lack. This perspective may be the greatest benefit of having a hand-me-down kid.
And all those savings? Well, they’ll be funneled into bows, tutus, tea sets, and little black patent leather shoes for my future granddaughter. After all, grandchildren are the perfect opportunity to indulge without the hand-me-downs.
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In summary, being the last kid means wearing the past while embracing the journey ahead. Hand-me-downs come with a unique set of lessons and advantages that help shape a child’s appreciation for what truly matters.