When I'm 10

AJ has a bit of anxiety about growing up.  She tells me all the time that she wants to stay little forever. Sometimes she even gets so worked up, she starts weeping.  Of course, I try to reassure that she is going to be a little kid for a very long time, that things probably won't be all that much different, and for good measure I point out some of the good things about getting older.  She never really buys any of it and usually just gives me her skeptical look from behind tears.

So tonight, we're snuggling in bed.  Its our typical bedtime routine, has been for a while now, and I love it.

AJ: Mom, I'm worried.
Me: Why are you worried?
AJ: I'm worried that when I'm 10, I won't want to snuggle with you anymore.

So let's pause here, because I'd like to point out the absolute ridiculousness of having to explain to your child that if at say 10 years old she doesn't want to snuggle with you anymore, she won't exactly be upset about it. It'll just be her preference.

Me: Well you know, that might happen but maybe not and I don't think you're going to be upset about it either way.  Plus its like 5 years from now.
AJ: Right.  So, when I'm 10 and I decide I don't want to snuggle with you anymore, you need to force me.
Me: Hmm-mm...Wait?  What?
AJ: Yeah.  So like sneak into my room after I'm asleep and snuggle with me.  Okay Mom?
Me: Uhmm...well, that doesn't really seem...well...AJ, that sounds creepy.
AJ: Mom, just do it.  Okay, sneak into my room.

Again, I'd like to pause here and say that as I hemmed and hawed...tears were welling up in her little eyes.  I mean like real tears.

Me: AJ, if you need me to sneak snuggles from you when you're 10, of course I'll do it.  But also just because you're getting older, that doesn't mean you suddenly can't snuggle with me.
AJ: Mom...*giving me that look again*
Me: You bet, I'll sneak the snuggles.

And then she settled and let herself drift to sleep.  Well...sort of.