[Parenting] A 4-year-old who turned 5

I have mixed feelings about this day arriving; part of me wanted it to come, and part of me didn't.

My child has turned 5.

A little while ago, I reread this article I wrote around this time last year.

I remember that it was a time when I was personally feeling quite confused, but I also remember that I held a modest celebration because I felt I had to celebrate their birthday.

Looking back at the site map, I wrote many more articles when they were 3 to preserve memories of my child, and I have mixed feelings about how few articles there are for age 4 in comparison.

Even though I know I was having a hard time myself, I just regret that I didn't write more properly.

As I write this, I have resolved to properly record my child's 5th year.

While rereading that past article, there was one point that was definitively different from last year's birthday.

That is that my child is now fully aware of their own birthday.

Along with that, they also properly understand what kind of day a birthday is.

By the way, it seems that in my child's mind, a birthday is perceived as follows.

• A day when you can get the things you want

• A day when you can eat cake with candles on it

I have absolutely no memory of teaching my child that a birthday is a day like this...

I suspect that this is the result of them integrating information they've overheard in various places.

A week ago, they were making demands for presents and cake like this.

The assumption that they would naturally receive them.

There is none of the cuteness I felt on their birthday last year.

I wonder if this is proof that they have grown up.

It was an event that made me feel even more strongly that I didn't want their birthday to come.

At that moment, I said this to my child.

"A birthday is the day you, [Child's Name], were born, and we celebrate it because it was a day that made our whole family so happy. It's not a day to get what you want, but a day to tell you thank you for being born. The present is something we give you to show how happy we are that you've grown up healthy, not something you demand to receive."

They listened to me in silence, at least.

And perhaps sensing that their dad's mood was different from usual and thinking they were about to be scolded, my child immediately changed the subject to soccer school.

In this regard, too, they have become more quick-witted compared to last year.

In the end, for their birthday, I prepared the cake they said they wanted, and for the present, I chose one item from the things they said they wanted and gave it to them.

I had expected them to complain, saying, 'I asked for two more things, but they aren't here,' but they didn't say anything.

I would be happy if this is the result of them understanding at least a little bit of what I said back then...

And so, my child has safely turned 5.

I want to spend every day looking forward to what kind of growth they will show now that they are 5.

And I want to write many articles about my 5-year-old child, just as I did when they were 3.

The end.