Mom shares her 3-year-old girl's unheard thoughts on friendship — she's our new favorite philosopher
Real friendship is more nuanced than most believe it to be. While many adults have yet to grasp the true meaning of good camaraderie, a 3-year-old girl has left the internet in awe of her wisdom on the subject. Mom Katy Robin Bird (@katyrobinbird) chatted with her baby daughter while they cycled back home from pre-school. On the way, Emi had an epiphany about her close-knit bond with her best friend Frankie, and mom, Robin, could not help but share it with the world. The beautiful message struck a chord with nearly a million viewers, with many admiring the baby girl’s personality and also hailing her best pal.
As the mother-daughter duo cycled home, Emi, tucked in on the carrier, shared her wish for a playdate with Frankie only because she is “so funny.” “Good friends bring out the best in us,” the mother quipped, encouraging her daughter to express more about her friendship. Emi recalled moments when she feels sad or scared and how her pal, Frankie, offers support. “I just run over to Frankie, and I’m still crying, and she laughs, and then I laugh, and then we get just better and better.” The young girl’s wholesome thought brought her mom to tears. “So, she’s my best friend in the whole entire world,” Emi marked.
Robin filmed the entire conversation as they rode home. Emi, wearing her cute tiny helmet, expressed, “I wish she could be with us because she is the special-est.” In the caption, the mother penned a heartfelt note about her daughter’s surprisingly wise introspection that moved her and many other people to tears. “3-year-old Emi’s thoughts on friendship that day were the reminder I needed. Maybe we all needed, and that’s why it struck a chord with so many of you when I first shared it. I’ll never forget what she said,” Robin wrote, adding, “To all the Frankies and the Emis, thank you.” Rightly so, people in the comments adored Emi and her thoughts while sharing their personal views on friendship.
@that_gurl_shee wrote, “She just summarized what friendships should be and feel like, especially in adulthood.” While @carlylejohnsonlee mentioned, “I love exceptionally verbal little kids. What a gift!” Sharing a similar message, another mom, @natasha_chanti, recalled, “I overheard my 9-year-old and her BFF the other day. Daughter asked her, ‘What is your favorite thing about living, and not like air or food?’ Her response, ‘being friends with you.’” A viewer, @anxie.tay, noted how Frankie helps Emi “regulate her emotions” and that everyone deserves a friend like her. Someone else (@totallychillin) left a thoughtful comment under the post, stating, “What an articulate and emotionally intelligent child! She clearly feels confident, loved, and safe. Amazing work.”
@katyrobinbird ✨“Frankie… she’s the special-est” ✨ 3-year-old Emi’s thoughts on friendship that day were the reminder I needed. Maybe we all needed, and that’s why it struck a chord with so many of you when I first shared it. We were biking home from preschool, and I’ll never forget what she said. Friendship should lift us up with love when we’re down, celebrate with us in our joy, and help us feel we are the best version of ourselves just by being who they are and showing up for each other. ✨ To all the Frankies, and the Emi’s thank you. #motheranddaughter #friendshipgoals #bikecommute ♬ New Home - Frozen Silence
Likewise, the comments were filled with heartwarming notes from strangers touched by Emi’s take on friendship and her best pal, Frankie. Some people asked if the sweet moment was sent over to Frankie’s mom so Emi could get her playdate. Replying to one comment, the creator revealed that she did get it after all. According to the Jan Peterson Child Development Center, play and conversation among children of similar ages are essential for future relationships as they help develop verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
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