In the 2010s, I could hold my own in any playground panel discussion on Ben10 and Beyblades.
Or the rise and fall of the Ninjago clan.
I knew which elemental dragon belonged to which ninja.
I could tell the difference between the Golden Weapons and the regular ones.
Respect was earned.
Snacks could've been traded.
But in the 2020s?
Let's just say I've been thoroughly briefed on Disney royal affairs.
I know which princess has a sidekick.
Which one has a fish
And which one is the fish (or half of her, at least)
And i sure can tell you which pink is “Sleeping Beauty pink”
And which one is "Too purple for Aurora, but not quite Rapunzel"
(It's a very thin line, apparently)
My son back then, would wear whatever we picked.
Striped? Mismatched? Inside-out? He was cool with it
He once wore the full Spider-Man suit, mask and all, to a restaurant.
Good thing we were just picking up takeaway.
Great power, questionable footwear.
My daughter on the other hand?
She has a wardrobe rotation plan.
Outfits are pre-selected daily.
Tops and bottoms? Each piece has a fixed partner.
Accessories? Pre-approved.
Sometimes I feel like her assistant stylist, just waiting to be told if it's a "skirt or pants" day.
And don't even think about folding them wrong... she'll just refold it herself.
(Which is honestly... kind of a win.)
Although I'd brag about my folding game...
(ok maybe that's a story for another day)
Spoiler alert: I don't just fold laundry. I run a regime.
While my daughter? Let's just say she's showing early signs of a coup.
Her folding standards are... suspiciously familiar.
If I fold it wrong, she'll redo it. Silently. Judgingly.
I fear I've trained my replacement.
Or worse... my audit officer.
And yes, this is how empires fall.
Anyway… before this turns into a manifesto on laundry governance…
It's a wonder how kids slowly reshape your interests.
Not by force, but just by sheer presence.
I didn't start caring about Disney princesses or Ninjago elemental masters out of obligation.
I just... did.
It creeps up on you, this strange curiosity.
It's not about boy stuff or girl stuff.
It's just their stuff.
And you can't help but care.
Because what intrigues them, somehow ends up intriguing you.
Just because it matters to them.
So I guess the best way to stay curious...
is to raise someone curious.
Because when someone small you love, loves something big...
You just can't help but start learning the language.
And honestly? That's probably the closest thing adulthood has to a superpower.
Any other dads out there secretly fluent in Disney princess lore?
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