CHICAGO West is one of the most famous five-year-olds in the world, and there’s a sign she isn’t comfortable with it.
Often papped out and about with her mom, those with eagle eyes will have noticed that unlike her older siblings, North, Saint, and younger brother, Psalm, 4, Chicago is almost always being carried by Kim Kardashian.
7An expert has shared her opinion on why Chicago West is often seen being held by her parents. Pictured: Kim Kardashian holding Chicago at a concertCredit: Instagram/kimkardashian7Children often want to be carried by their parents to feel safe. Pictured: Kim carrying Chicago to her son’s basketball gameCredit: BackGrid
This week, she was also snapped in the arms of dad Kanye West’s new wife Bianca Censori, suggesting she was bonding with her under the pressure.
Chicago has outgrown a stroller and you would assume that she is possibly being lazy – Why wouldn’t she like the independence and freedom that walking brings to kids?
However, Chicago hitching a lift off her parents, isn’t necessarily all as it might seem, and here is why.
Many parents will have a hard time relating to their physically able child begging “carry me”.
This type of behavior usually stems, not from being lazy, but from a child wanting to feel safe.
Let’s face it, when you are five and have strangers taking your photo every time you are out in public with your family, it is little surprise why Chicago may want to feel safe.
Previously her sister, North West, 10, was caught on camera holding up a sign saying “stop,” asking photographers to leave her alone at Paris Fashion Week.
While her brother, Saint, 7, was seen being scolded by his mom after he flicked his middle finger at the waiting paparazzi.
Like her older siblings, it is perhaps now Chicago who is finding the limelight a tad much.
Although Psalm is younger, he is perhaps more able to cope with the intrusion that comes with his mom’s job.
Chicago may also be more “clingy” than her siblings, as some children simply need more physical content with their parents for reassurance.
According to Kim, her kids “have such a normal life”, and that she is “always open and honest” with them, which is a great way of keeping a strong bond.
7Chicago may be feeling that the spotlight is too much. Pictured: Chicago being carried by Bianca CensoriCredit: The Mega Agency
It also means that when her kids, especially Chicago, are feeling the spotlight is too bright for them.
They will see her as a place of calm and safety – hence the want to be carried.
It is important that when a child is asking for a carry, that parents assess the situation that they are in and the reasons for why their child may need to be held – something which Kim, and now Bianca, demonstrate clearly.
Is your child just tired, or are they feeling anxious or scared about something?
Carrying an older child should never be frowned upon.
It isn’t a way of keeping them as a baby or in Chicago’s case because she is the youngest girl, or, pandering to them.
Of course, they are more than capable of walking from a physical point of view, but from an emotional stance, it can be more about feeling that bond.
7Kim has stated her children have ‘such a normal life.’ Pictured: Kim and family on vacation to Turks and Caicos in July 2022Credit: BackGrid
The new pics with Bianca could be a good sign that Chicago is comfortable in her stepmom’s company.
Knowing that when they are struggling to make sense of what is going on around them, their parents have their back, they are there for them.
Being carried is likely not something that will continue as Chicago grows, but for now, and with three siblings to compete with in the attention stakes, Kim and Bianca carrying her will help keep her emotional cup nicely topped up.
Bonding is as important for older kids as it is for babies – it is a good sign of attention, closeness, and love; it will help Chicago feel protected from the outside world.
It isn’t for every parent though as the physical toll can be huge, particularly carrying a child on the hip.
To ensure no damage is done to your pelvis, hips, and back, a sling carrier could be beneficial, where you can “wear” your child on your front or back.
These pack up small and are easy to carry around – perhaps a new product idea for Kim?
Kirsty Ketley, 43, is a parenting specialist from Surrey, UK, and is mom to Ella, 11, and Leo, 7.
7Chicago will likely continue wanting to be held as she grows. Pictured: Kim on vacationCredit: Instagram @kimkardashian7Chicago’s bonding with her family will help her to feel safe from the outside world. Pictured: Chicago being carried by her sister NorthCredit: BackGrid7Kim Kardashian pictured arriving back at her hotel with daughter Chicago last yearCredit: Mega