The Bishop family of Festus, Missouri, had to say goodbye to their daughter Hazel’s beloved pacifier, known as “Paci.” The family knew it was time for Hazel to give up her pacifier for the sake of her dental health. Jake and Courtney, Hazel’s parents, wanted to ease the transition for Hazel, who had been attached to the pacifier for years. They tried various approaches like cutting off the end of the pacifier, soaking it in vinegar, or planting it in a pot, but finally settled on giving Paci a funeral to mark the occasion.
Jake’s decision to give Paci a funeral reflects a trend among young parents to avoid confrontations with their children over transitional objects like pacifiers. Instead of forcing children to give up these items, parents are choosing to make the transition more positive and less traumatic. Jake believes that children need to experience some challenges to grow but there is no need to make things unnecessarily difficult for them. He sees milestones like giving up a pacifier as important moments in a child’s life, moments that should be cherished and remembered.
Hazel has not asked for her pacifier since the ceremony, signaling that she has successfully transitioned to the next stage of her life. However, Jake himself struggled to let go and buried the pacifier again in a keepsake box after a short time. This act shows that parents can also have a hard time accepting the passing of these milestones in their child’s life. Despite the emotions involved in letting go, Hazel’s parents are proud of her and are looking forward to the next milestones and memories that she will create.
The story of Hazel and her pacifier reflects the larger theme of parenthood, where parents are constantly faced with the challenge of guiding their children through various stages of life. Giving up a pacifier may seem trivial, but for young children, it can be a significant step towards independence and growth. Parents like Jake and Courtney strive to make these transitions as smooth as possible for their children, while also cherishing the memories and moments that make up the journey of parenthood.
The Bishop family’s experience with Hazel and her pacifier highlights the evolving parenting strategies that are being adopted by younger parents today. Rather than using traditional methods of forcefully taking away objects like pacifiers, parents are choosing to make the transition more positive and meaningful for their children. By celebrating milestones like giving up a pacifier, parents can create lasting memories and teach their children the importance of accepting and adapting to change. Hazel’s journey is just one example of the many challenges and joys that parents face as they navigate the complex and rewarding journey of raising children.
