Meet Sophia, an enthusiastic two-year-old with a passion for dolls and an ambitious dream of becoming a doctor in the future. According to her mom, Brandi Benner, Sophia already sees herself as a doctor and loves playing pretend checkups. In 2017, after successfully completing a month of potty training, Sophia's proud mother decided to reward her with a special gift. They headed to a Target store in South Carolina, and without hesitation, Sophia made a beeline for a doll that was dressed as a doctor. Her excitement was palpable as she knew exactly what she wanted - a doll that mirrored her aspirations and ignited her imagination.

She took it to the register to pay but the cashier insisted on asking the little girl a series of questions which left Sophia’s mom fuming.

Brandi took to Facebook to convey the interaction and how her smart toddler had the perfect response before she had a chance to vent her annoyance in the store.

The cashier asked Sophia if she was going to a birthday party and had picked out the doll for a friend, according to mom Brandi’s Facebook post.

Sophia stared at the cashier blankly and her mom was forced to explain to the cashier that the doll was a prize for Sophia doing really well during potty training.

The woman then asked Sophia if she was sure she wanted the doll: “Yes please!” replied Sophia.

“But she doesn’t look like you,” the cashier told Sophia. “We have lots of other dolls that look more like you.”

Mom Brandi said she started to get very angry but before she could step in Sophia had this response.

‘Teachable moment’

“Yes, she does. She’s a doctor like I’m a doctor. And I’m a pretty girl and she’s a pretty girl. See her pretty hair? And see her stethoscope?”

Sophia’s response stopped the cashier in her tracks and thankfully she dropped the questioning responding with “Oh that’s nice.”

Brandi credits the TV cartoon “Doc McStuffins” with teaching Sophia the word “stethoscope.” But she credits Sophia for knowing what is important and said another child could have been discouraged by these questions.

“This experience just confirmed my belief that we aren’t born with the idea that color matters. Skin comes in different colors just like hair and eyes and every shade is beautiful,” Brandi wrote.

Brandi’s post was met with one million reactions and more than 50,000 comments.

One user wrote: “She’s my kind of girl; you are my kind of mommy!!”

“My little girl loved her black Cabbage Patch baby. She’s a redhead with blue eyes and ivory skin. Slept with her and took her everywhere. I’m so proud of her kindness and how she looks deeper than most,” another added.

While another wrote: “Beautiful story and hopefully a teachable moment for the woman. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work!”

It's truly surprising and unfortunate that a cashier would feel the need to question a customer's purchase, especially when it involves a child's choice of a doll. The incident highlights the importance of respecting individuals' decisions and preferences, regardless of age. It's heartening to know that the toddler was able to respond confidently and assertively, perhaps giving the cashier pause to reflect on her actions. Moments like these serve as reminders for everyone to approach interactions with empathy and open-mindedness, allowing individuals to express themselves freely without judgment or unnecessary scrutiny.