As a parent, I’ve developed a habit of giving nicknames to the various stages of my children’s lives. We’ve all heard about the “terrible twos,” the “tyrannical threes,” and the “ferocious fours.” Not to mention the “frustrating fives” (seriously, why are they still so challenging?), and the “chaotic sixes” (which I can attest to with my newly turned 6-year-old twin boys). But now, I’m absolutely smitten with my latest stage: the “sociable and sensitive sevens.”
My eldest son is every bit the archetypal 7-year-old. He’s a delightful mix of humor, fearlessness, sass, independence, and kindness—all wrapped up in an endearing little package. I thought I was well-prepared for the squabbles, the screen time negotiations, and the endless debates over eating vegetables, which often felt like a diplomatic summit.
However, what truly took me by surprise was how much smarter and more mature he has become—and how willing he is to share that growth with me. He strikes up conversations with just about anyone we encounter, expresses his thoughts candidly, and shows a remarkable respect for service workers. Instead of sulking about being sent to his room for misbehaving, he’s often more intrigued by the world around him.
He’s been following the election cycle with avid interest, watching news stories independently and forming his own opinions. When I mentioned wanting to volunteer for a local campaign, he jumped at the chance to join me. He eagerly sacrificed part of his weekend to go door-to-door canvassing, embracing the opportunity to learn civics in a way that’s far more impactful than any textbook could offer.
Mornings after political debates are filled with his enthusiastic summaries, often making my husband laugh with his astute observations. He’s been asking to attend a rally this weekend, and when we told him he couldn’t, he simply responded, “That’s fine, but the babysitter will let me watch it on TV, right?”
Having witnessed my husband and I engage in various charitable activities over the years—whether it was volunteering our time, buying a meal for someone in need, or sharing our leftovers with those less fortunate—he’s started to take similar initiatives. Recently, he filled out a donation envelope for a charity we support, and my husband helped him write the check.
After a recent event, he encountered a homeless man and, without hesitation, emptied his pockets of change to help him. We spent time discussing his choice and the impact it could have on the man’s day. That evening, he said something that struck me deeply: “Mom, I don’t have to make a difference for everyone, just someone.”
The next day, his grandmother gifted him a small bill, advising him to save some for himself.
As I tucked him into bed after our vacation, I asked what his favorite part was. First on his list was seeing the Liberty Bell, because “it’s made of Liberty.” Next was visiting Independence Hall, where “the Declaration of Independence was signed, and we became a country.” And last but not least was attending an MLB game.
As parents, we often get swept up in our children’s vibrant personalities and start to imagine their future paths. I genuinely believe this little activist has a bright future ahead, one that will undoubtedly make a difference for many people—he’s certainly already made a significant impact on my life.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to mediate a dispute over some missing Lego pieces.
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Summary:
Age seven brings a delightful mix of personality and maturity that can surprise any parent. From engaging in civic duties to practicing kindness, kids at this age often display remarkable growth. My son’s curiosity about the world and his willingness to make a difference highlights the joy of parenting during this stage.
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