As Wendy grows up, she gradually loses the ability to fly. At first, she can get to Neverland with Peter to tend to the Lost Boys by using a broom, but eventually even that ability ends. She has to give up the ways of childhood and fully assume adult responsibilities.

Wendy is a little bit sad about growing older, but, primarily, she embraces adulthood. She has always been a motherly, mature, nurturing human being, so adulthood comes naturally to her. She likes being a mother of her own children, and she is content living in the adult world. If her own imagination fades and she loses the desire to travel with Peter, she is happy to pass that gift on to her own children and grandchildren.

As Wendy ages and grows wiser, Peter seems less and less like an admirable peer to her and more and more like a small boy who needs to be taken care of. As an adult, she still loves Peter, but she can see his limitations more clearly.

Wendy is a foil or opposite to Peter. She willingly chooses a different path in life: she becomes the mature, nurturing mother, and he remains the eternal child. Barrie does not judge either path or say one is better than the other, but he shows that each has its rewards and limitations.