But what really annoys me, is how many comments we receive on a daily basis regarding his size. Why is it that people seem to think it's funny to compare him to other babies his age?
Yesterday I attended a playgroup where one woman laughingly commented 'He's probably smaller than Thomas' (pointing to her seven week old baby). Maybe she was just trying to make conversation, but it's those kinds of comments that really piss me off. Why is it that people always feel the need to compare babies in terms of their size? I suppose it's because when all they do is eat, poop, and sleep there's not much else to talk about? but it's 'conversations' like the one I had the misfortune of being part of today that really upset me.
'How old' asks a woman holding a baby at a playgroup I attended this morning.
'Six months' I reply
'Really?' she says, with a look of complete disbelief.
'Yes.'
'Really?!!'
'Yes, Really. He's six months old.' I reply. What, does she think I don't know how old my own son is?!
'But he's so tiny..... I mean, look at Jack' she holds out her own baby who is about double Henry's size. 'He's seven months and he's huge next to your boy!'
'Well, they're all different, aren't they.' I reply before walking off. I don't want to lose my temper, but boy it's tempting to tell her where to stick it.
i'm addicted to reading advice columns, and dear prudence would tell you to just blank stare back at them, not to even dignify their comment/question with a response. I'll make them pause the next time they think about voicing a tactless remark. I personally think hes adorable, and just about the cutest six month old around.
ReplyDeleteIf it makes you feel any better, I get loads of comments about how "HUGE" Eleanor is. I am tempted to start telling them to watch their mouth because that is how a kid can get a complex. She's not huge, she is who she is, and she's lovely. Same with your little man. He is who he is, and he's lovely.
Sorry, that isn't supposed to read "I'll make them pause..." its supposed to say "it'll make them pause..."
Deletemaybe I should have paused before hitting publish! ;)
Hehe, I do that too! especially when I'm on a roll and ranting away about something ;)
DeleteOr perhaps you really will 'make them pause' next time they say something about Eleanor!
DeleteAwww, thanks Bethany. I think he's adorable too as is your wee girl - so sweet and I completely agree about them all being 'their own person' and just like adults they are going to come in a range of sizes.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised you didn't sock it to her! That would have really annoyed me. People can be so smug. I bet Henrock is three thousand times sweeter and brighter and cuter than her enormous lump of human. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteYes, it did make me pretty angry - those thoughtless comments. I felt as though she was implying that I was lying about Henry's age and she just looked so incredulous as though she couldn't possibly imagine that he was six months old because he was 'so small' compared to her baby. I really hate comparing babies, it's boring and it's like comparing adults - we're all different and some of us are big and some are little.
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