Have you ever received a list of things that your child is supposed to be doing at a certain age? Now between you and me, doesn’t that stuff piss you off? I understand that it’s to see if they are at the right stage, but come on. I feel as though its one more thing for moms to one up each other about. I was very lucky. My son was always a very fast learner and has always loved books and being read to which I’m sure is what helped his vocabulary. With that being said, it doesn’t make him better than a child that would rather play cars instead of being read to. I hate the competition and it makes me feel sad for him. Every child is different. And everyone raises their child differently. I don’t care if my son walked before any other kids his age. Or if it took him two months longer to potty train than anyone else.

I want him to have a free spirit. I want him to go at his own pace and enjoy things. I want him to go for long slow walks and notice the different colors of the flowers and count rocks as he throws them in the puddles. He has his whole life to be in competition with other people. I want him to stop and be able to see all of the aunties and uncles and friends that are cheering him on through life. I love my son more than anything. When he is around me I actually breathe better. Which means I grasp the concept that that’s how other parents feel about their kids. Just for that reason I could never boost my child to another parent and try to diminish their child’s shine. Competition and drive are very important things in this world and eventually he will learn them.

For the time being I just want him to be kind. Don’t worry about being the best. Worry about saying please and thank you. Worry about sharing well with others and about being someone that people like to be around. Be content. Be thankful. Have a good heart. I don’t want to teach him to be the best. I want to teach him to be the best person he can be.

xo Stephanie