What's your favorite animal?

I am sure most of you are familiar with those fancy-dress activities for kindergarteners—the ones where little children magically transform into butterflies, superheroes, fruits, vegetables and sometimes even the entire solar system!

Now, I must confess something.

I am not a great fan of DIYs or craftwork. Creativity and I have always maintained a very respectful distance. 😄 I genuinely admire people who can look at a cardboard box and see a rocket, a giraffe or a castle. I look at the same box and think, “Perfect. Amazon delivery box for my Ajjis Homemade business. use it.”

But I absolutely love watching parents bring out their creative genius for their little ones.

You might wonder where this post is heading to. Well no more dragging, here is my story.

My own kids have long crossed the kindergarten fancy-dress phase, after giving me enough adventures to fill a book. But I still occasionally meet parents who are right in the middle of this beautiful chaos.

A few days ago, I met my neighbour and her toddler in the lift while heading to my Ajjis Homemade office.

This little green-eyed girl was wearing a cute frock with an animal print, black leggings and what I can only describe as a “messy but intentionally messy” hairstyle. 😄

I smiled and asked her,

“Hey buddy! How come you are wearing a colour dress today? Birthday?”

Her mother proudly announced,

“They have to dress up as their favourite animal today.”

The little girl gave me a shy smile.

“I am dressed as a cheetah.” 🐆

“Oh my God! A cheetah? That's a powerful animal! I am scared. Are you going to ROAR at me?” I asked, trying my best to bring myself down to kindergarten communication levels.

She giggled. Then came the plot twist.

“But my favourite animal is a rabbit.” 🐰 OOPSIE....

And she looked at her mother.

I looked at her mother.

The entire crowd inside the lift looked at her mother.

Her mother gave me that sheepish smile that mothers everywhere will instantly recognise.

I asked, “Rabbit? Then why cheetah?”

“We didn't have a dress that looked like a rabbit costume at home. So we chose an animal for which something was readily available. So… for today, her favourite animal is cheetah.” 😂

We burst out laughing. And honestly, I could completely relate.

Because isn't this mommying along ?

Later this incident put me to thought.. isn't this one of the most underrated skills we teach our children.

Adapt to the situation. Make the best of what you have. Don't wait for perfect circumstances.

Today the little girl knows she may not hop like a rabbit, but can still choose to run faster like cheetah. 

So what's your favorite animal? Share in comments how are you mommying along.

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