Entering a new phase in her life.....

I have had more time to observe the girls in the last few days and whilst they continue to have a strong bond and real love for each other, I have noticed that Lucy is moving into a new phase in her life as she moves towards turning eight this year. I have witnessed many sibling fights this week (half term needed) and most of them seem to be born from Lucy's increasing need to do 'more grown up' things such as listen to music, talk about bands, asking questions that are a level away from Anna about countries, social history and concepts. Going to the junior school in September has been high on the agenda and prevalent in discussion. There seems to have been a turning point in that she now views some of the things that Anna likes and does as 'babyish'. I think that Lucy is now starting to try and exert herself upon the grown up world and I can see the conflict emerging slightly. For example, we have had to take the decision that they need to have separate baths and Lucy clearly needs her own space now, if only to stop the whinging! I don't think that this is the end of a beautiful relationship between two sisters, more a revaluation of one as Lucy is really starting to seek the company of older people and look to gain recognition with her peers and the more grown up realm. It will be interesting to see this develop...