Why Compare?

Saturdays and Sundays are half days for my maid. I get to spend quality time with my son on these days. Every evening, Vidur goes in his tricycle for a walk. This Saturday I took him for his evening walk. I met several of his friends on the way. It is a pleasure to watch him as he scans his environment for interesting things. He talks to people on the way.

My maid always mentions an old man who takes his grand daughter for a walk. Yesterday, I got to meet him. We chit chatted about the babies. Vidur and she are of the same age. He then told me that his granddaughter had not started standing without support and that everyone at home was anxious about this. I asked him whether she is standing holding onto to something and he said yes she is. I then consoled him saying don't worry she will do it soon. As she is pretty active, he should not worry. Each child is different.

This incident reminded me of several instances where mother/family members compare children of similar age. I remember when my son got teeth early, there were family member of other kids the same age telling me that teeth that come later are stronger. Really, do I have control over such things? Everything is compared. What tricks does your child do? How tall/heavy/fair is your child? Which doctor are you consulting? Are you sure she/he is good? Know what, my doctor is the best in the world. Seriously! Your child did this now, my kid did it ages ago. Puhlease! Why compare? Some kids do things early, while others take time. This does not mean that the kids who do things faster are going to be smarter than the ones who are slower.

Take pride in what your child does. It is special for you. For you, your child is the best and the smartest. Don't compare and doubt your child's learning curve. Also, please don't put down another child by proving that your child is smart.