In "Saying Goodbye to Very Young Children," John Updike reflects on the inevitable changes that occur in young children as they grow. The innocence and charm they possess in their early years will gradually fade away, replaced by a more skeptical outlook influenced by the world around them, including media and societal interactions. This shift marks a loss of the pure, unfiltered joy present in childhood, highlighting how experiences and exposure alter their perceptions.

Updike nostalgically appreciates the importance of those everyday figures in childhood, like aunts and neighbors, who provided moments of simple connection and comfort. Their familiar scents and gentle interactions remind him of a time when life was more innocent and unencumbered by the complexities of adult life. The reflection serves as a reminder to value these seemingly mundane relationships that shape our early identity and contribute to our sense of belonging.