Sugar and spice

TODDLERS are unfiltered when it comes to saying exactly what they observe and mean, but they’re also the sweetest when it comes to expressing emotions. We asked parents: What’s the sweetest thing your child has said to you?

Anna, mom to three-year-old Anastasia:

She held my face the other day and said, “You’re my best friend.” It was so sweet. I know it’s something she probably heard from the kids at kindergarten, and she probably doesn’t understand the meaning, but hearing her say it made my whole week.

Michael, dad to four-year-old Malachi:

We have a teen daughter — they’re 13 years apart — and he adores her. Every single time he sees her, it’s like their first meeting. He flings himself at her and says “Michaela!” like she was away on some long journey and they are just reconnecting. And I mean she could return from the bathroom, and that’s the mood. He also hugs her and tells her, “I love you sooo much,” all the time, and it’s so good to see their bond, even though they are worlds apart.

Thalia, mom to three-year-old David:

He will take my face in his hands and say, “Don’t cry, do you need a Band-Aid?” whenever I look sad. He thinks a bandage will fix any kind of sadness and that’s endearing.

Michelle, mom to four-year-old Hannah:

At night she will come into my bed, snuggle up to me, tell me I smell nice, and say let’s go to bed. Just the fact that she can’t sleep without being snuggled up to me is just so sweet.

Natalie, mom to four-year-old Nataliah:

Whenever she sees me putting on my make-up for work, she will say, “Mommy, you’re a princess!” And whenever I have a bath and get dressed, even if I’m in my house clothes, she will say, “Oh, you’re so pretty.” It’s such a confidence boost.