Yes, humans grow, develop, and change, and the longer you’re away from another person, the more obvious the changes are. With the new distance, however, there suddenly arose the shock of my son’s physical changes across the months.

Back in the days when she lived close by and watched my guy evolve from week to week, there was joy and connection. In that moment, I realized that I deeply missed my friend’s weekly visits since she’d moved away. I got the idea to write this article on the day a dear friend uttered the words, “Your son is growing up too fast!” upon seeing his photo. The most frequent times I hear the phrase, “That kid is growing up too fast!” it is being said by an adult who hasn’t been face to face with this child in months, or even years… and sometimes that can be downright sad. Kids being kids: Growing and exploring! 1. Why? As a parent and teacher, I’d like to explain the reasons that you might want to think twice about saying something like “kids grow up too fast” the next time you encounter a young child gaining on you in height and advancing in years. Me? These utterances punch me in the gut every time. You might have even heard the version (directed at the kiddo), “Stop growing! You’re getting too big!” especially when elementary school aged kids go through growth spurts.

Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on Twitter Share on Email Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn A Problematic Phrase with Upsetting ImplicationsĬhances are, you’ve heard an adult exclaim: “Kids grow up so fast!” or, “They’re growing up too fast!” while gazing at a child who suddenly seems much taller than they remembered.

Teens growing up too fast