If you say so. :)
okay.. that should have been a IMHO! . . .
But really maybe. . .it is not just pity here; but rather a general sadness seeing children and childhood transformed so quickly; if not before one's eyes - so to speak.
We have heard and certainly seen what are the new 'tweens'; the next rising teens; who save for their ages; bodies and bra size; would be indistinguishable from those already 'teenagers'. Watched yesterday; a ten, almost-eleven-year old, shop for her next party. . .(an into the limo event) and wondered; as she tried on her clothes; drop earrings etc. . .how much shorter can we make childhood?.
Seems my answer at least; came in this story about the 'little ones'. . .the good news being that some Parents are saying 'enough'.
The boundaries; the 'rites of passage'; the dress and lifestyle; that used to distinguish the child from the adolescent; the adolescent from the teen in full-bloom and they, in turn, from the 'young adult' or even adult; no longer seem to be there to contain (and protect) many children as they grow along; and grow up.
And this I do think this is sad; if not 'a pity'. . .