Mother and child

Some kids carry around a blanket or a baby doll. Molly used to be attached to her duck. But for the last 6 months or so, her toy of choice is a naked Barbie that she calls her "child."

Molly takes her child almost everywhere, though we drew the line at school. She can't fall asleep without her child. Many nights, when I stop in to give Molly one last kiss, she will be sound asleep, clutching that hard plastic toy to her chest like it's a stuffed animal.

I don't know why Molly doesn't like her child to wear clothes, but the doll is almost always nude. Even in the cold. Maybe that is punishment -- Molly's child gets in trouble a lot. Usually for hitting or not listening. Even as I write this, naked Barbie is in a time out while Molly watches Doc McStuffins.

Who knows how long this will last. Molly does love to play dress up, so I'm hoping she eventually discovers the joy of dressing up her dolls. Until then, the child goes where Molly goes, naked or not.

Mother and child -- gotta keep Barbie safe!