Hi, I'm 34 years old and my best friend since elementry school is the same age. He has a little girl who will be seven and I am pretty sure she has a crush on me. She's always asking for uppie (picking her up), wants to sit on my lap, pecks me on the check, and wants to spend the day with me and the night by me to get away from her brothers. I think its cute but is this a crush?

Crush? No. She has included you in her circle of people she loves and has fun with, like a favorite uncle.

I had a similar *crush* on my way older cousin when I was in grade school. You as an adult can only be a good example as a good adult male friend. Don't go mentioning anything about what you think she might feel because it could only cause problems and embarrassment. The issue is only in how you as the adult respond to her

*** also realize that at this age many girls have emotions they do not know how to sort and categorize so what comes off to you as a crush to them is emotions they aren't sure what they mean

It could be "uncle" or second daddy. Or substitute dad. I doubt if crush can be applied to a 7 year old.

I wonder why the question - ?

She is 7 and says "uppie" for "pick me up?" Is there a problem?

I was wondering the same thing too. Why the question?

You should watch a teacher with her students. We don't pick them up, kiss them, or let them sit on our laps, but they cry when they have to go home and want to come home with us. Why? Because many crave attention and stability. If a child feels safe with you, then you are going to see these types of behaviors.

I would definitely discuss it with my friend and his wife all together with my wife. 34 year old men and 7 yr old girls-- hard to tell who claims what at some point down the road as conditions and situations change. Get on record what you think is going on. I think that is your real question.

I think if he discusses what he thinks it Will only cause problems. They could think he is projecting some subconscious personal feeling and portraying it as if its her. Then they think he's some kind of perv -friendship over. Its best to do as teacherjenn says and no touches that can be mistooken no alone time

I have two kids, one is a 10 year old girl. She doesn't have any actual Uncles, but many of our friends, one in particular who's been there since she was born, is considered her Uncle. No, she doesn't ask to "spend the night by" him, because that's not something we'd allow with anyone in her life, but she does hug and kiss him, and loved to be "uppied" when she was a baby and a toddler, by him and everyone else. He's an Uncle, not a crush.

I have to say, I find this question a bit worrisome, it's sending shivers down my spine in a bad way.

My stepgrandchildren loved it when I "uppied" them.

They were using adult words by the time they were 7.

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

My stepgrandchildren loved it when I "uppied" them.

They were using adult words by the time they were 7.

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Mine too. Uppy was gone before they were 2 years old.

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Originally Posted by Alty

Mine too. Uppy was gone before they were 2 years old.

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I had one kiddo last year who used baby words. "I go potty?" Are you serious? I called mom and dad right away. Who would allow a 5 year old to speak like that? Within a week of modeling correct grammar, he learned to ask, "May I go to the bathroom?." And the OP said this girl was 7. It makes me wonder if there's a new baby in the house.

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Originally Posted by teacherjenn4

I had one kiddo last year who used baby words. "I go potty?" Are you serious? I called mom and dad right away. Who would allow a 5 year old to speak like that? Within a week of modeling correct grammar, he learned to ask, "May I go to the bathroom?." And the OP said this girl was 7. It makes me wonder if there's a new baby in the house.

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It makes me wonder if there's an issue, or if this child isn't being taught properly. What's up with mom that her 7 year old still asks to be "uppied"?

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Originally Posted by Alty

It makes me wonder if there's an issue, or if this child isn't being taught properly. What's up with mom that her 7 year old still asks to be "uppied"?

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I bet that's not the only phrase she still uses.

It s possible it is a crush all kids have crushes on an adult at one point or another just don't confront her and don't acknowledge the possible crush. Keep your own girlfriend/wife in the child acknowledgement. BUT more than likely it is NOT a crush. When it comes to her mom and dad she has to compete with her brothers for attention. With you she does not. You give her the attention she craves and have become her beloved "uncle". Just remember children do not think like adaults what may feel like a girl acting on a "crush" to you is really nothing more than a child who is showing affection for her Beloved Uncle.