There’s a trend that’s been around for a while involving high school seniors. I love it and hope it never goes away. It always makes my mom-heart swell.

Seeing seniors rock backpacks that throw it all the way back to kindergarten or first grade? Pure joy. It’s fun. It’s silly. It’s mature… in the most child-like, beautiful way.

It quietly says, “I know this is the beginning of the lasts—so let’s embrace it.”

And we should. There is nothing wrong with our almost-adults being silly. In fact, it’s something sacred. We should celebrate it.

Let them be goofy. Let them wear their Little Mermaid or Paw Patrol backpacks with pride. Let them extend their childhood just a little bit longer, because adulthood is coming and it doesn’t wait.

Let them still be kids.

When they start high school—ninth, maybe tenth grade—they’re all about being cool. Fitting in. Keeping their heads down. Trying to act older than they are, because that’s what they think they’re supposed to do.

But by senior year, something shifts. They realize that “cool” is an overrated word. That laughing too loud and being yourself is actually where the magic is. They start to savor moments and stop rushing through the days. They want to leave a mark—not by being perfect, but by being present.

And so, they pull on a backpack that screams “preschool,” and somehow, it fits better than any designer brand ever could.

Because this goofy little trend is not just about being silly. It’s about celebrating how far they’ve come—and holding tight, just a little longer, to where they started.

It’s a rite of passage disguised as a cartoon character.

So if you see a senior walking with Bluey or Barbie bouncing on their back, smile. Maybe tear up a little. They know what they’re doing. They’re writing the final chapter of their childhood with laughter, joy, courage and a bit of glitter.

And honestly? That’s exactly how it should be.