Dora Doesn't Need To Grow Up

Mattel and Nickelodeon recently announced the updating of their major moneymaking franchise, "Dora The Explorer." It seems little Dora will soon grow up and gain just enough of an edge to appeal to the "tween" crowd.

I hate to admit it, but the news really bothered me. The pilot for Dora debuted in 1999, the year my first daughter was born. It became a regular series in 2000. The show has been a staple in my house since then. When my oldest daughter outgrew Dora, my youngest picked up the slack. As they've grown, Dora has, comfortingly, remained the same. She is a quiet reminder of my oldest daughter's toddler years and a constant companion for my youngest, who is only 3.

Going home after hearing the news, I tried to figure out why it bothered me so much. After all, it is kind of neat that Dora, who was technically born in the same year as my oldest, will now adopt a look that's more in line with a child that age.

Chelsea, my oldest, took a look at the picture Mattel released and, despite her "I'm too big for Dora," aversion, admitted she looked "pretty cool." She also, much to my surprise, was rather open minded and said she'd be willing to give the updated Dora a chance.

That from the kid who acts like Dora, with her football head, is the devil!

My youngest, Ashley, however, had a different opinion of the change.

"That's NOT Dora," is all she said, before walking away from the picture completely disinterested.

Ashley, by the way, loves the character so much she has learned to count to 10 in Spanish. There was one night when she managed to get herself stuck behind her bed that she even yelled for help in Spanish. Imagine my shock at being awoken in the middle of the night by screams of "ayudame!"

In her 10 years, Dora has become a mainstay of toddlerhood for little girls. She has entertained, delighted and helped teach little ones a new language. She also serves as a touching reminder of days gone by when our older child danced and sang along with her - the days in most little one's lives when hugs and kisses flowed freely and cute sayings were a dime a dozen.

Perhaps it's time for Dora to grow up. After all, if my oldest child's reaction is any indication, Mattel might have another moneymaking idea on its hands. It's even possible the owners of the franchise will do what Chelsea asked and present Spanish words that older kids might use. The new Dora could become an excellent teaching tool and source of inspiration for older children to learn a new language; just as her toddler counterpart has been all these years.

Still, the part of me that has watched my own children grow up too fast, selfishly wishes that at least something precious from their childhood years could remain little just a little bit longer.