When I first saw Amila, my future stepdaughter, waking up early to cook and clean, I thought it was a charming quirk. At just seven, she seemed incredibly responsible, and I was impressed. But that initial admiration soon turned into deep concern once I learned why she was pushing herself so hard.
It began slowly. I’d hear her light footsteps on the stairs before sunrise, and by the time I got up, the kitchen would be spotless and breakfast already waiting. Pancakes, eggs, toast—she prepared them all with surprising skill.
At first, I assumed she was just curious about helping out, maybe enjoying the idea of playing “grown-up.” But as the days passed, it was clear this wasn’t just a hobby. It was a routine that never skipped a beat.
One morning, I found her carefully measuring coffee grounds, standing on a stool in her brightly colored pajamas. With her hair tied in neat pigtails, she looked so small and yet so determined.
“You’re up early again, sweetheart,” I said softly.
She turned, beaming. “I wanted everything to be ready for you and Daddy. Do you like the coffee? I learned how to make it myself!”
Her pride was evident, but something felt off. Most kids her age would be busy dreaming of adventures or playing with friends—not perfecting household tasks.
“That’s thoughtful, but you don’t have to do all this,” I said gently. “Why not sleep in tomorrow? I can handle breakfast.”
Her smile faded. “No, I like doing it,” she insisted, a hint of worry in her voice.
Continue reading on next page…