When my 13-year-old daughter gave me her birthday wish list, I felt a mix of nostalgia and confusion. It wasn’t just the items—Victoria’s Secret set, eyelash extensions, hair extensions, acrylic nails, Lululemon outfit, Dyson AirWrap—it was the realization that my little girl was growing up in a world I barely recognized. At her age, I had only wished for a music player and a new pair of jeans.

I wanted to make her happy but couldn’t turn her into a TikTok doll. We spent the day at a spa, enjoying facials and manicures, focusing on natural beauty. I surprised her with a stylish yet modest outfit from her favorite brand and a new set of paints and canvases.

As we painted together that evening, I saw her eyes light up with genuine happiness. I realized that while times may change, the essence of childhood joy remains the same—time spent together, feeling loved and understood.