The future is bright

PJ has never answered this question for us until now - so yeah, it is kinda a big deal. (And yes I am very aware that his preferences and interests can and will most likely change as he gets older, but this is a huge moment for us, okay!?)

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Prior to 3 days ago, whenever we would ask this question, PJ would loudly say "I DON'T KNOWWWW" and walk away - aggravated. Why? Who knows. Toddler logic is super coherent and always makes perfect sense.

But anyway - it finally happened ya'll. We got a response. A THOUGHT OUT one! PJ is suuuuuper into any kind of vehicle - literally any and all of the above. So I really thought he would say fireman or maybe even an excavator. But he shocked all of us with his answer:

"A teacher. I want to teach little kids like my teacher does."

Pass. The. Tissues. What a wholesome, adorable little thing. But then in true PJ fashion he finished the thought.

"So I can tell kids what to do and they will listen to me."

There it is. Solid reasoning, kiddo. But still I am super proud. He is such a shy little guy, and also bossy, and he definitely speaks his mind, but I didn't see teacher coming. I love it.

Honestly, PJ’s little moment of career clarity made me realize something. We ask kids what they want to be when they grow up like it’s totally normal. But when’s the last time someone asked us that?

Exactly. It’s been a while. Probably since before we were legally responsible for tiny humans and ran on caffeine and rage (seriously there has to be an exam I missed or something, because how did I become qualified for this).

At some point, we stopped being seen as people with futures and started being complicated family calendars, snack machines, and human tissues.

But guess what? Plot twist: caregivers are still allowed to grow. To change. To want ridiculous, bold things. Maybe you want to go back to school, start a business, become a teacher (or writer!) or just finally go to the bathroom without someone narrating it. I say - Freaking do it!

You’re not too late. You’re not too old. None of us "have time" but we make it work. You’re definitely not done.

So go ahead. Ask yourself the question:What do I want to be when I grow up?

And answer it like a kid would - loud, weird, and completely unqualified.

Because if PJ can declare world domination through early childhood education, then you can absolutely be whatever the hell you want too.

Now go chase that dream, friend... Right after you switch your laundry (honestly how do I forget every freaking time).

xoxo

Madi