‘It’s her world, we’re just living in it’—even brands can’t get enough of this toddler’s iconic shoe moment
Getting a toddler out the door can feel like an Olympic event, but for one mom, there’s a clear winning strategy—let her daughter pick her own shoes. And the internet is obsessed with her latest choice.
TikTok user @holasoyjanelle recently shared a now-viral video of her daughter proudly selecting her footwear before an outing. The clip, posted on March 1, 2025, has since racked up over 8.2 million views and 1 million likes, with thousands of comments praising the toddler’s confidence and impeccable style.
In the video, Janelle’s daughter props up her leg, proudly showing off her Cinderella-style silver slip-ons—complete with a tiny block heel. The caption? “She’s just a girl,” a nod to the trending 1995 No Doubt hit. Walmart, Ulta Beauty, and even Carnival Cruise Line chimed in with admiration. “It’s her world. We’re just living in it,” Walmart’s official account commented. While the internet is delighting in this toddler’s “diva” moment, experts say there’s something deeper at play here—this moment reflects a toddler’s developing sense of autonomy and confidence.
Related: 10 wellness books that help toddlers deal with big emotions
Why do toddlers insist on dressing themselves?
If you’ve ever had a toddler refuse to leave the house without their favorite mismatched outfit, you’re not alone. According to child development experts, toddlers asserting control over small decisions is a healthy part of growing up.
Child development experts agree that toddlers go through a phase where they crave independence but still need parental support. Offering limited choices, such as selecting between two pairs of shoes, can help children feel in control while maintaining necessary boundaries.
Providing toddlers with limited choices can help prevent overwhelm and reduce meltdowns. Offering too many options may lead to decision fatigue, making it harder for them to engage with their final selection. Psychologists recommend giving children only two choices at a time—three at most—to avoid overwhelming them and to help them feel safe. This approach allows toddlers to practice decision-making without frustration, promoting a sense of control and independence.
How letting kids dress themselves builds confidence and creativity
More than just a fun TikTok moment, allowing kids to dress themselves can have lasting developmental benefits. A 2024 Crayola study found that 92% of children surveyed said expressing themselves through creativity—like choosing their outfits—boosted their confidence.
Allowing children to experiment with their clothing choices is about more than just fashion. It provides an opportunity to foster independence, problem-solving skills, and confidence. By making decisions about what to wear, children learn to assert their preferences, develop their own sense of style, and gain a sense of accomplishment. This practice empowers them and promotes their emotional development as they navigate the process of making choices.
How parents can support autonomy (without chaos)
If your toddler insists on wearing a superhero cape to preschool or a princess dress to the grocery store, here’s how to encourage self-expression while keeping routines manageable:
Offer limited choices: Present two to three options instead of a full closet.
Pick your battles: Let it go if it’s not a safety issue. A sparkly shoe moment is worth the confidence boost.
Make it fun: Encourage creativity by setting up a “fashion station” with pre-approved clothing items.
Use positive reinforcement: Praise their choices and let them know you love their creativity.
At the end of the day, fashion is just the medium—confidence is the message. And as this viral toddler proves, sometimes all it takes is the right pair of shoes to feel like the main character in your own story.
Related: The Best Learning Towers for Independent Toddlers
Source:
Control over small decisions. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2016. “Informed Consent in Decision-Making in Pediatric Practice.“
Independence but with parental support. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024. “Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers.”
Children to be given two choices. Kellogg Insight. 2017. “Are You Offering Your Children Too Many Choices?”
