Couple Has Been Married for 23 Years, but Their 7-Year-Old Just Found Out in Sweet Viral TikTok (Exclusive)
His mom, Kat Parker, captured the moment in a candid TikTok filled with innocent questions and childhood logic
The sweet exchange has resonated with parents everywhere, reminding them that kids process big things in their own time
A 7-year-old's innocent question has gone viral after his mom, Kat Parker, captured the moment he first realized his parents were married — despite 23 years of wedded bliss.
In a now-beloved TikTok, Parker's son sits at the kitchen table, piecing together the clues: 'Sometimes I see you guys kissing, I see you guys hugging. Now I think you guys are married,' he says in the viral clip. His mom confirms, and the conversation unfolds with the kind of wide-eyed curiosity only a child can bring.
'I have three children. I have a 23-year-old, my son is the oldest, and then I have a 19-year-old girl, and then my 7-year-old, he's the youngest. Been married for 23 years. It'd be 24 years in November,' Parker tells PEOPLE.
She explains that her approach to parenting has evolved over the years, and with her youngest, she's focused on being present and capturing milestones — sometimes on social media, sometimes in private journals.
Parker says the viral moment was as much a shock to her as it was to her followers. 'I was very surprised that we were having that conversation, because, honestly, I thought he knew that we were married,' she says.
'We have a wedding photo on our mantel that has been there since 2019, we call each other husband, wife… So I was surprised, because I thought he knew, but then I realized, wait a minute, kids, they process life in their own timeline,' she continues.
The TikTok itself is a masterclass in childhood logic and sweetness. Her son, after learning his parents are married, bursts into the K.I.S.S.I.N.G. nursery rhyme. For Parker, the moment was a reminder that children experience the world at their own pace.
Nancy Valerie Photography Kat Parker and her family
Kat Parker and her family
'It just proves that kids are going to process things when they're ready to process them. And we just have to be ready to be there and have those conversations with them and allow them, create that space for them to have those conversations, and not make them feel shame or guilt or embarrassment for the questions that they're asking,' she says.
Parker, who is also a leadership and life coach, shares these moments online not just for laughs, but to model emotional intelligence in parenting.
'I feel like these conversations between my son and I are emotionally intelligent conversations where not only am I showing up as emotionally intelligent as I can, but I'm also teaching him to be emotionally intelligent,' she says.
Related: Andy Cohen's Son Ben, 5, Asks Him If He'll Hug Him 'All the Way to School' in Adorable Video
Her son's curiosity isn't new: Parker recalls thinking he might have hearing trouble as a toddler, only to realize he was carefully studying how she formed words.
The Parker family's approach to discussing their relationship has changed over time, especially as they've become more deliberate about fostering emotional intelligence.
Courtesy of Kat Parker Kat Parker and her family
Kat Parker and her family
'We both are so intentional in how we speak to him, especially about our relationship, especially because we want him to understand that we are a family. Mommy and Daddy are a unit. We make decisions together. Mommy and Daddy will always love you. We will always create this safe space for you,' Parker shares.
After the video went viral, Parker shared it with her husband, who was out of town at the time. 'He thought it was hilarious. He thought it was really cute. And he was a little surprised too, that he didn't know that we were married,' she says.
Related: Drake Bell Says 3-Year-Old Son Asked 'Why Do They Keep Calling You Timmy?' Upon Seeing The Fairly OddParents (Exclusive)
As he gets older, she hopes her son learns that his parents are human and not perfect, but that they have love and it shows within them.
'Looking at us, I hope that he understands that he is human, and he's going to make mistakes, but finding someone that you love, that you enjoy doing life together with, that it makes it worth it to go through those hard times,' she shares.
While her son continuously shows off his growing emotional intelligence, being a mom of three has taught Parker important lessons.
Nancy Valerie Photography Kat Parker and her children
Kat Parker and her children
'The biggest lesson is that it's okay to apologize to your children. That's probably the biggest thing, because showing them that it's okay to apologize, and an adult can apologize to them for maybe raising their voice. Going back to my kids and showing them that I am not too proud to apologize to them, I think, will help them when they are parents as well,' she shares.
In all, sharing these moments with the world is about more than just documenting family life.
'Be intentional about creating a safe space for your children,' she shares. 'I think that has probably been one of the biggest joys of my parenting, is knowing that my children are not afraid to come to me with anything.'
'I never thought at 47 years old that I would enjoy hanging out with a 7-year-old the way that I do,' she adds, 'but he is absolutely amazing.'
Read the original article on People
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