Mom Divulges How She Parents Her Toddler Who Embraces His ‘Grandpa’ Identity

Aug 09, 2023

One of the many hurdles of parenting is understanding when to give children the freedom to express themselves as they wish, particularly in their early years. However, a mother on TikTok is offering a heartwarming illustration of how to wholeheartedly accept her child's uniqueness.

Mom Julie Wise has welcomed and embraced her toddler's quirks as a child who identifies as an old man. In a series of TikTok videos, Wise documented Jay's grandfather persona and captured moments where her son donned oversized glasses, puffed on a pipe and carried a blow-up cane. 

Children can get really interested in the strangest things, and some of them may wish to grow up rather quickly. They think that being a grown-up is a lot of fun because adults have more freedom to do whatever they want.

But most children simply imagine growing up as being old enough to do the cool stuff. They probably wouldn't want to be as old as their parents or grandparents. Yet 3-year-old Jay is unlike any other boy as he feels that he is a grandfather trapped in the body of a toddler.

Wise's videos also showcase the endearing and comical moments of her son, who expressed his wishes to be called "PawPaw" even in public. However, his imaginative play and interactions with his baby sister, Rose, are filled with pure love and devotion.  

Responding to a follower's question about explaining Jay's grandfather persona, Wise addressed the importance of accepting children for who they are without attempting to mold or change them. In July 2023, the mother recalled a visit to the pediatrician, where Jay confidently declared himself a grandpa. Instead of discouraging him, Wise embraced his declaration, allowing Jay to express his true self. 

"The pediatrician obviously asked Jay, ‘What’s it like being a big brother?’" Wise relayed. "Of course, he said, ‘I’m actually a grandpa.' He probably went over the computer and put delusional family," Wise joked after she confirmed that Jay was called grandpa at home.

The pivotal moment in the story revolved around Jay's white wig, a cherished accessory that represents his grandpa persona. Wise captured Jay's delight as she surprised him with the wig, reflecting his deep sense of self-confidence and fulfillment.

Jay's antics have entertained Wise's followers, who post their positive reactions in the comments. The videos of Grandpa Jay, which Wise has been uploading since May 2023, have been raking over 200,000 to a million views.

"Jay is such an old soul," many of the commenters noted.

"Imagine he was actually a grandpa in another lifetime," another said, and some of the commenters agreed that he could be a reincarnation of someone from the family. 

"I think it's so freaking funny. He literally does give grandpa vibes," said another follower. 

"He's gonna be a great papa some day! For now though...He's so cute!!"

Wise's parenting style strikes a chord with moms and dads of toddlers. It’s shining a spotlight on the importance of creating a playground where kids can unleash their true selves without worrying about being judged or doing boring stuff. Her wholehearted support for Jay's one-of-a-kind outlook serves as an eye-opener for other parents as well. It highlights how children’s personalities are a wild ride of complexity and constant change.

As Jay continues to develop, his grandpa identity may evolve or disappear over time. Wise's approach is a strong reminder for parents to get on board their kids’ small journeys, as it is a great way to make meaningful connections as they grow up.

Do you agree with Julie Wise’s approach toward her toddler’s wild imagination? Do you know of a parent dealing with a toddler with a similar creative mind? Pass this story along, as it might help them pick up a few ideas!