Parenting
I have a knack for producing larger-than-life kids. Both of my children are in the 99th percentile for height, according to the World Health Organization. In simpler terms, I’m raising two of the tallest toddlers around.
At just 18 months, my daughter was already the size of the average 3-year-old, while my son, the youngest in his preschool class, towers over his peers. They often appear older than their actual ages, which has led to some amusing encounters. I recall a particularly chaotic moment when my son was just one year old, throwing a fit at the grocery store checkout because he was stuck in the cart. As I hurried to unload our items, a voice from the adjacent line remarked, “Wow, somebody’s 2!”
Actually, somebody is just 1! But thank you for your unsolicited opinion.
It’s a common occurrence for others to misjudge my children’s ages. Most of the time, it’s a benign mix-up—perhaps a skeptical glance from a ticket attendant questioning whether my tall child qualifies for a child’s admission. Other times, I find myself needing to correct other parents who assume my kids should exhibit behaviors typical of older toddlers.
“She doesn’t understand yet; she’s not even 2!”
Like any parent, I strive to teach my kids about respect, kindness, and the importance of not consuming random food scraps found on the floor. However, it’s essential to recognize that toddlers have limited capabilities at certain ages. Even if no one explicitly comments on my child’s presumed age, I can feel the judgment from other parents. They see my child as a “big kid” and instinctively begin directing her on how to behave, forgetting she might actually be younger than their own child.
And let’s be honest—toddlers are notoriously hard to manage. When another parent starts giving my daughter instructions, I usually intervene and introduce myself. “How old is your little one?” I inquire.
“20 months.”
“Oh, mine is too!” Their eyes widen in surprise, and they often comment on how large she is, perhaps using my personal favorite term—sturdy. Suddenly, expectations shift, and my daughter can resume her toddler antics without judgment.
Sometimes, I wish I had age stickers to put on my children’s clothing, just to clarify that my daughter isn’t a miniature 3-year-old barreling into the baby play area at the library, but rather a 1-year-old with a lot of energy and not quite ready for the responsibilities of an older child.
Occasionally, I find myself in situations where the expectations are wildly off-base. If my daughter approaches a smaller child and snatches a toy, I let them navigate the conflict themselves. After all, when do toddlers truly grasp the concept of sharing? Yet, some parents expect my child to behave appropriately simply because they assume she’s older.
When I see the other parent swooping in with an exaggerated, “No, sweetie, you must share. Take turns,” I can’t help but think: What does sharing even mean to a toddler? Instead of understanding, they’re likely thinking about the snack they saw on the floor rather than the toy in question. It’s an exercise in futility.
After a few rounds of back and forth between the kids, I often chime in, “You know, her brother was just like this before he turned 2. It gets better when they’re older.” The other parent’s demeanor softens upon realizing that my child isn’t the only one with toddler tendencies.
Children come in all shapes and sizes, and their ages don’t always correspond with our expectations. It’s important to recognize that regardless of how old the child climbing on yours may look, their parents are trying their best. For more insight on parenting challenges and growth milestones, check out this other post on at-home insemination kits.
Summary:
Navigating parenting can be challenging, especially when your children are larger than average. Misunderstandings about age can lead to unnecessary assumptions from others. It’s crucial to remember that children develop at their own pace, and parents are doing their best to guide them, regardless of how tall they may appear compared to their peers.