To be “cute” is to be attractive or “pretty” in a youthful or dainty way, as in a “cute” puppy, a child wearing a “cute” outfit or singing a “cute” song. “Cute” has more controversial connotations, it is also used to describe women or men as sexually attractive and unusually appealing or good-looking.

Many thoughtful women are wary of the word, and warier still of using it on their daughters or sons. Many grandparents I know use the term so wantonly it has little real meaning.

The children and dogs who are not “cute” or described as “cute” or seen in that way, have a harder time in the world I think. I was described as “cute” when I was quite young, but not since. I have never thought of myself in that way.

I am viscerally uncomfortable with the word “cute,” I think too many parents and grandparents end up putting unconscious pressure on their children or grandchildren to be “cute” rather than authentic or simply themselves.

I called Maria “cute” in reference to something she said or did once or twice. She didn’t like it.

I rarely, if ever, called Emma “cute” or thought of her in that way.

Once in a while children I know –  my granddaughter in particular – do something that is almost ridiculously cute. I have no idea if Robin has any consciousness of being cute, of what it means or connotes. Or if she might feel pressure to be “cute.”

Or if Emma values her cuteness. She seems to me to be a very appealing child.

I do see a danger in any child being “overly cute,” it can translate poorly into adolescence or adult hood where being “cute” is not nearly as important as being grounded or thoughtful. Few  young girls I know are praised much for that, although Robin is, all the time.

Is Robin being “cute” when she puts an umbrella over her head, is she playing to the crowd, or is she just being precocious and creative and appealing? How could I really know? As a grandfather, I’m supposed to revere “cuteness,” it’s part of the job, and sometimes I do. But truthfully, it isn’t something I value much.

Emma sent me this video yesterday, and what immediately came into my mind was the word I rarely use – it was so “cute,” I messaged Emma, that it ought to be illegal. I don’t know any other word to describe it.

I loved  watching it.

I don’t see Robin as often as I would like, and when I do, I make it a point not to describe her as being “cute” or calling her cute. I am much more impressed by what I see as her warmth and creativity.  But I have watched this video a dozen times, and I don’t really have a better word for it than “cute.” It is, in fact, ridiculously cute.

It is not a simple thing for a two-year-old to learn this song by heart and want to sing it.

I hope Robin does not know just how “cute” it is. And the other thing I thought when I saw it was, wow, I can’t wait to put it up on my blog. I do it too.