Mission Grow

Last week, we met up with some old friends from Singapore. As expected, when they saw our boys, they expressed their surprise that Son No 3 was taller and bigger than Son No 2, despite their two-year age difference.

This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, that the two younger boys face such comments. They ought to be used to it by now but I do wonder what psychological impact this might have on the two boys. Especially Son No 2.

Son No 2 is the shortest pupil in his class. It does not seem to bother him very much as he gets to be right in front when they are lining up for class. Nevertheless, he wants to grow. One of his chief motivations is that he wants to be at least the same height as his younger brother. The other is that he wants to be able to sit in the front seat of the car, like his elder brother.

Recently, this motivation to grow has intensified. He actively asks me the food group of every piece of morsel that goes into his mouth. He knows that some food are energy food, some keeps him healthy, some helps him to move his bowels and some helps him to grow. He also knows that some food does nothing but cause him to lose his hair but that does not stop him from chomping the junk food. I guess losing hair is not a worrisome prospect for a 7-year-old.

Son No 2 has been eating a lot of fish, chicken and other meat because they are grow food. Now, after a few weeks of active eating, he is asking me why he is still not growing. It is enough to break your heart.

I have always been telling him (and the others) that every child is different. I suppose I have to do a better job - as they grow, the desire to blend in will also grow. It is only natural.