ok, i posted the other day about something pretty awesome that happened at my house. i left it up for a couple of hours, and then had 2nd thoughts and took it down. you see, i’m one of those people who worries endlessly about things that i’ve said, written, what have you, and cross my fingers and kiss my elbow that my words don’t get misinterpreted. as if i can actually anticipate and control what other people think.
oh, i know it’s silly and impossible and a little nutso, but i’m 35, and the problem doesn’t seem to be getting any better. so when i posted about this thing, this thing about which i am immeasurably proud, i wanted to share it with all of you. i mean, that’s what a blog is for, right? but then, i got nervous and worried and cuticle-bitey. i certainly don't want to come off as trying to act like my kid is SO awesome, because, while in my opinion, he is, i totally am of the mind that other people's kids are just as awesome as my own. i don't like the "mommy wars" and i don't like all of the one-upmanship that i see out there so often. i don't like how people intentionally make other people feel shitty because of something they can or can't do, or something their kid(s) can or can't do.
let me tell you a little story. i started reading right after i turned 3. no big deal to my folks, or anyone else. however, when i went to school, i didn't fit in with their planned curriculum, so i spent 2 years sitting in a corner part of the day, reading to myself while the other kids learned to read. so what did that teach me? that being different can really suck. it's not always something to be celebrated, but instead, it often is something of which you should be ashamed.
so that's why i was reluctant to tell you that emerson is reading now. i get worried that people will think of him as "weird" and "different." i also REALLY, REALLY don't want anyone to think that i'm trying to be braggy; it's just a fact. it's probably genetic. who knows? but i also certainly don't want emerson to think that i value him only for his accomplishments. but i'm thrilled for him. reading has always been such an important part of my life, so i'm ecstatic that it can be that way for him now, too. and while yes, he can read, he can't draw for shit, and has no interest in it. i know other people with kids who can draw and color like CRAZY. and i get a little jealous from time to time, and worried that he's not developing correctly, but then i take a deep breath (several deep breaths, in fact), and remember my own golden rule of parenting:
EVERY KID IS DIFFERENT.
and then i feel better. lots better. and i can admit that yes, my kid is freaking fantastic. and so are your kids. YAY!
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1 comments:
That's AWESOME!!! Oh my god, the thought of NEVER having to read a freaking book you weren't particularly fond of again... You can just say, why don't you read that one yourself? Ohhhh....just let me dream for a minute! I understand what you mean in general about crazy moms, but f!@#% it on this one, man. That's just plain COOL. Personally, I always like to list a positive with a negative when talking to other moms or teachers. Ex:(music teacher) "Wow, Allison! Maggie's singing and pitch is really advanced for her age." (me) "Yeah, she's really got a musical ear. It's probably genetic. It's awesome when she's singing naked in the living room about shaking her hoo hoo to the ground. Pitch perfect!" And it automatically kills the competitive vibe! HAHAH!! Seriously, though. You should TOTALLY post about that. You have a supersmart kid!!! There are NOT a lot of those, so don't be worried and crapping up your cuticles about being an awesome parent!
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