As I sit in my daughter’s room at 11 p.m., the dim light casts shadows on the almost illegible words I’m scribbling on a scrap of paper. “Keep practicing the piano. Your talent shines bright. And those outfits you crafted for me? Simply amazing,” I write, closing the note with a flourish, signing it “E” for Elara—an enchanting name I conjured during a late-night burst of creativity. I tuck the note carefully into her fairy house, just as my husband gives me a questioning glance from the doorway. He’s not entirely on board with this playful deception, feeling I should be more realistic about our daughter’s fantasies.
During this magical season, my 9-year-old still holds onto the belief in a variety of imaginary beings: Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, and even our Elf on the Shelf, Rudy. To his credit, my husband has embraced these roles, fully diving into the spirit of make-believe. He’s the one who staged a hilarious scene, pretending to be Santa reaching for a cookie, and he’s the one who remembers to leave coins under pillows for lost teeth. He even added a layer of excitement when our daughter lost a tooth just before Christmas, spinning tales of what might happen when the Tooth Fairy and the Elf on the Shelf cross paths.
Elara, however, is a new addition to our family of myths, emerging at a time when my daughter is on the brink of her tween years. While my husband may not fully grasp it, Elara’s arrival is significant; it represents the bridge between childhood innocence and the impending wave of teenage skepticism.
Last summer, as my daughter began to navigate the tumultuous waters of adolescence, I felt like I was losing touch with her. To bridge this gap, I purchased a mother-daughter journal, a tool designed to foster open communication. We took turns writing to each other, but eventually, it became clear that her interests lay elsewhere. After she expressed a desire to create something from a shoebox, I encouraged her artistic whim. “I want to build a fairy house,” she declared, and I was all in.
The shoebox transformed into a magical creation adorned with cut-out windows, tiny tissue paper chairs, and even a doll-sized bedspread fashioned from scrap fabric. She left a heartfelt note inside, inviting Elara to visit and try on the crafted clothes. One evening, just to remind her that dreams are still worth believing in, Elara “responded” with a note of her own, complete with delicate fairy handwriting.
While my husband may not fully endorse this ongoing fantasy, research suggests there are benefits to fostering such imaginative thinking. According to a psychology professor at the University of Texas at Austin, this kind of imaginative play is crucial for cognitive development and creativity, laying the groundwork for future scientific discoveries.
So yes, I’m nurturing a dreamer, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The letters between Elara and my daughter are filled with encouragement and support—Elara knows all her strengths and challenges as she navigates this confusing phase of life. My daughter, while sometimes resistant to my praise, lights up at Elara’s words. The encouragement from this whimsical figure carries a weight that even a mother’s words sometimes struggle to convey.
I understand that Elara, much like Santa and the Easter Bunny, won’t hold her place in my daughter’s heart forever. I’ve even thought about letting Elara tackle some heavier topics as she matures—like navigating friendships, body image, or other challenging conversations. Yet, I know that one day, my daughter will uncover the truth, and it will simply be me, her mother, offering advice and love that will hopefully resonate with her.
For now, I’ll continue to weave this tapestry of imagination. Watching my child’s face light up at the thought of a note from a secret friend—a friend who is always patient, observant, and encouraging—fills me with joy. Each message from Elara is a sprinkle of magic, reminding her of her brilliance and potential.
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In summary, I choose to nurture my daughter’s belief in Elara, the fairy who brings her joy and encouragement. Through this imaginative play, I hope to strengthen our bond as she grows, reminding her that it’s okay to dream big.
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