Feb 21 • 17:30 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Wow, how you have grown

The article reflects on the common phrase adults say to children, 'Wow, how you have grown', and the author's nostalgic observations of children growing up.

The article begins with the author expressing irritation for the common adult phrase directed at children, 'Wow, how you have grown!'. This sentiment is shared during a recent Carnival celebration where the author encounters several young kids, noting that this phrase feels ridiculous in its obviousness. It raises the question of what adults expect, as children naturally grow and develop over time.

She reflects on the transformations that the children she has known have undergone, contrasting their past stages of infancy and toddlerhood with their present growing selves. From crawling babies more concerned with putting small objects in their mouths, the children have now evolved to perform choreography from popular K-Pop groups. This observation elicits nostalgia as the author acknowledges the fleeting nature of childhood, simultaneously expressing a certain wonder about their growth and emotional development.

Furthermore, the author highlights the challenges of writing about the mundane aspects of life that ultimately hold significant meaning, indicating that both children’s growth and adult perceptions are simple yet profound realities. The piece serves as a commentary on the rapid changes in childhood and the simplest of childhood interactions that often hold deeper emotional significance for caregivers and parents alike.

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