When Innocence Learns Words Too Early

A heartfelt reflection for every parent…

A few days ago, while my evening walk ,I heard two young children teasing a friend by joining his name with a girl’s name. They laughed in that playful way only children can…

But then — the conversation shifted.Their words suddenly carried meanings much bigger than their age.They understood “crush,”   They mentioned “boyfriend,”   They spoke of “dating” —like they already knew the script of a world they haven’t even stepped into.I stood there silently, surprised… and a little sad.  Because childhood is speaking like adults now.

Why do they know so much, so soon?

At the age of 9 or 10, life should feel like: Chasing each other during recess .Drawing wobbly rainbows. Fighting over the last chocolate. Naming stray puppies outside the gate. Cheering because someone scored a goal

Not…

“He is in love.”   “She likes him back.”   “They are a perfect pair.”

Somewhere, childhood is shrinking —one adult word at a time.

Screens are not the only culprits

Yes, the online world is wide — too wide for their tiny hearts.Mobile phones and OTT shows expose them to emotions they’re not ready to decode.

But influences come from closer places too: The teasing that adults do jokinglyRomantic plots playing on TV in the background. Lyrics with meanings deeper than what children should repeat.Casual gossip that spills into their ears .Content we assume they won’t understand… but they do

Children are like wet clay —and the world is shaping them too fast.

Growing up early isn’t a medal-We proudly say — “Look how mature they are!”But sometimes, maturity steals moments that belong to innocence.

They deserve to believe that love is: Mommy’s warm hug at bedtime.Daddy waiting with open arms at pickup time .Sharing snacks with a best friend. Holding hands when crossing the road .That is love. That is care. That is childhood.

 A reminder for us, the adults

We are: Their first lesson on relationships. Their first example of respect.Their first understanding of boundaries.Their first window into the world.

They don’t just hear us —they become what they see.

Let us choose our words more thoughtfully.Let us choose their media more mindfully.Let us surround them with simplicity and joy, not rush them into emotional complexity.

Let childhood take its time

One day…they will grow up and find real love and understand every emotion deeply.

But today…let them play a little longer. Let them believe friendships are the greatest bonds.Let them hold onto wonder a little tighter.Let them live stories that involve crayons and cycling and sunshine — not heartaches and labels.Childhood is a short chapter. But it shapes the whole book.

Let’s protect it.Let’s celebrate it.Let’s let children be children —as long as they can.