I have a little boy, Arthur, who is two and a half years old. He is a fine boy, just as adorable as the dickens and full of energy. He is also extremely sweet, and loves hugs. Sometimes he just comes over and says, "I would like a hug, Daddy."
No. That's not true. I'm lying to salve my pride, and I can't keep this up.
What he says is, "Need hug." My shame burns within me like an unquenchable fire. Six months ago, he wouldn't have even been able to say that much. He would have just pointed and grunted as he normally did. At least now he is using words, and we gush when he uses a simple sentence.
Two and a half years old. Sigh.
And don't give me that "That's a perfectly normal level of development for a boy his age," or, "his teachers say he is actually one of the brighter boys in his class," or, "what the hell is wrong with you, you monster!" I've heard all those platitudes and reassurances.
But they can never truly assuage my fears. The bar is just set too high for the lad, I can't help it.
The cause of all this trouble is his big sister, Grace. Grace is almost five, and will be starting Kindergarten next year (side note: holy shit!)
You see, Grace is a certified genius. I don't mean that in the standard "my kid is so smart!" way that every parent is obligated to say. I mean that the child in question is of exceptional intelligence. At Arthur's age, she was reading and carrying on conversations about science and literature. Her vocabulary and diction have always been well above the average for her age. and she picked up words at an alarming rate. Arthur couldn't even say his own name until earlier this year.
And yes, I hear you shouting, "you can't compare children, they all progress at different rates," or "everyone knows that second kids start talking later," or "how can you say that about your own child? Have you no soul?"
As much as I appreciate what you are trying to do for me, it's so hard not to compare them. Grace's reading is just so remarkable. She learned some sight words, sure, like shouting out street signs while we drove, but we worked with her on phonics, and soon she was telling us what signs and posters meant, and reading text that flashed up on the TV screen. We showed her some Naruto and she was keeping up with the subtitles! (no child of ours is watching dub, thank you.)
Arthur knows his letters, but just giggles and wants to run around when we try to quiz him on the letter sounds, and thinks books are a sometimes food.
I know! I know! You don't have to inform me that "boys and girls tend develop different skills at different times, and his differences are perfectly in keeping with that!" and, "he will certainly pick up his pace when he gets to school" or "I am calling Child Services, and you can expect a visit soon."
And as comforting as that all is, it's just hard to look at her brilliance and his... Arthur-ness and not be somewhat disappointed.
However, it is worth noting that Grace was a total spaz for the first three years, whereas Arthur can run, jump and climb like a champ. So maybe there's hope for him.
Perhaps he will blossom in school, but if not, at least he can be one of those kids I hated who were really good at sports and stuff.
I think I can be proud of that. I think.
But seriously, if he doesn't have shelves of trophies by age 10, I may disown him.
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