On the way into school, one three year old was feeling great. She had brand new braids, a birthday coming up, and a plan to tell everyone about it, even though the big day had not quite arrived.
The post is from @k.mailove.
@k.mailove
The new hairstyle
Standing on a sidewalk in a light purple outfit, she grins as the person filming admires her braids, which have heart shaped parts. Asked who did her hair, she answers “Tamika.” Asked if she likes it, she says yes, calls it “stylish,” and wants to know if she can keep it. She can, and she cheers.
Three days until four
Then comes the news: her birthday is in three days. She counts it out happily and says she will be four, then correctly tells the grown up she is three right now. She is excited to go to school and sure it will be a good day, because, as she puts it, it is going to be her birthday.
She even gives an order: “Now tell the teacher it’s my birthday.”
The birthday mix up
The adult gently explains that her birthday is Thursday, not today. Her smile fades. When asked if she is sad, she says yes, and when told she does not need to be, she answers with a long, drawn out “why?” The adult tries to cheer her up and head off to a good day anyway, and the little girl keeps asking why.
Helping little ones wait for a big day
Young children have a hard time with the idea of days to come, so “in three days” can feel the same as “right now.” Parents often try a few simple tools:
- Make a paper chain and remove one link each day.
- Mark the date on a calendar and let her cross off the days.
- Plan a small countdown activity for each day.
- Let her tell the teacher ahead of time so she gets to share the news.
How young children understand time
For a three-year-old, time is a slippery idea. Words like “tomorrow,” “Thursday” and “in three days” do not yet mean much, because young children live mostly in the here and now. When a big event is coming, a child may feel that it should happen today, and a delay can feel like a real disappointment.
That is why concrete tools work so well. Children understand what they can see and touch, so a paper chain, a calendar sticker or a row of cups can make time visible.
Common questions about big feelings
How should I respond when my child is sad about waiting? Start by acknowledging the feeling. You can say, “You are so excited, and waiting is hard.” Naming the emotion helps children feel understood. After that, gently move on to something that makes the wait easier.
Is it normal for toddlers to ask “why” over and over? Yes. Repeated questions are a sign of curiosity, and sometimes of a child working through a feeling. A short, kind answer is usually enough, and it is okay to say, “I know it is hard.”
What if a disappointment ruins the morning? A few quiet minutes and a hug often help. Offer a simple choice, like which song to sing on the walk to school, to give back a sense of control.
Caring for braids and young hair
New hairstyles are a point of pride for many children, and braids can be a lovely way to protect and style hair. For little ones, gentler is better. Styles that are not pulled too tightly help prevent discomfort and strain on the scalp, and hair that is moisturized and handled softly is less likely to break.
If your child winces, complains of headaches or has redness at the roots, loosen or remove the style. Give the hair a rest between styles, and ask a trusted stylist or your pediatrician if you have questions.
Try this at home: a birthday countdown
- Make a paper chain with one link for every day until the birthday.
- Let your child remove one link each morning.
- Add a small activity to each day, such as drawing a picture or choosing a song.
- Practice saying their age, with the right number of fingers.
- Let their teacher know ahead of time so the day can be a little special.
Small ways to celebrate at school
- Ask the teacher if the class has a birthday tradition, like a song or a crown.
- Send a simple note or a drawing for the teacher to read aloud.
- Check school policy before sending treats, since many classrooms have food rules.
- Plan something small at home that evening, like a favorite dinner.
Waiting is a skill children build over years. With a little patience and a lot of encouragement, the days between now and the big day can become part of the fun.
Credit for the original post goes to @k.mailove on TikTok.