A 4-year-old’s 2020 year in review.

Ned Brown, Chief Creative Officer, interviews his 4-year-old for her perspective on 2020

I thought, given this year, I’d turn to one of the places where I often find the most perspective: my 4-year-old daughter. To give you a little background, Finley is this wonderful mixture of sweet thoughtfulness and wild stunt-girl. She wears princess dresses and crowns while climbing chain-link fences as high as she can. She’s equal parts delicate flower and grimy dirt. I think it’s this duality that allows her to see the world so uniquely. Like all children, she sees the world through the eyes of innocence and openness.

I sat down with her and asked her some questions. This was our interview:

 

Me: What was one thing that was different about this year?

Finley: The bad bug came. But then we got to stay home and play and watch movies!

Adult Takeaway: With every low, there is a high.

 

Me: What’s the hardest thing about the bug being here?

Finley: I can only give elbow bumps. I can’t give real high-fives. I miss the smack!

Adult Takeaway: I think we all underestimated the importance of strong human connections.

 

Me: How do you feel about always having to wash your hands because of the bug?

Finley: When it’s cozy water, I love it! But not when it’s cold.

Adult Takeaway: A little warmth can bring joy to any chore.

 

Me: What’s it like being on the computer screen with your classmates and your teacher?

Finley: Tiring, because I’m always facing the same way.

Adult Takeaway: Zoom fatigue is real. Even for 4-year-olds.

 

Me: If you could see your friends right now, what would you say to them?

Finley: I’d say: “Happy birthday, friends,” since I missed all their birthdays.

Adult Takeaway: Thoughtfulness has no expiration date.

 

Me: If you could do something to help people who’ve had a hard year, what would it be?

Finley: I’d tell them jokes. Like: Why did the skunk cross the road? Because he tooted.

Adult Takeaway: Sometimes the best thing we can do is offer a smile (and, wait, skunks toot?!).

 

Me: It’s starting to get really cold and dark out. What do you think of winter coming?

Finley: Can’t wait!! We’ll make lots of snowballs and throw them and then make snowmen and do snow jumping jacks [this is how she says “snow angels”]!

Adult Takeaway: I should stop fixating on the crappy parts of winter.

 

Me: What is something that was a surprise this year?

Finley: [Laughing] Skiing backward.

Adult Takeaway: The best surprise is often the thing you never intended.

 

Me: And, finally, what has been the best thing this year?

Finley: Halloween!! And the candy I keep getting to eat every day.

Adult Takeaway: Make the most of the sweet moments and stretch them out as long as humanly possible.