July 15, 2010

Do I treat Alex differently?

My family claims I treat Alex differently than I treat Courtney and Tom. They also claim I treat Alex differently than John treats Alex. I have taken these comments to heart, and first assuring myself they are not criticism ,taken a look at my behaviors.

Although I hate to admit it, I think my family may be correct. And that is a qualified maybe, because I know in my heart I treat all my children differently. I try to encourage their strengths and compensate for their weaknesses. In my eyes my kids are perfect, and that will never change.

I guess at the bottom of this behavior is the fact that Alex has different weaknesses than my other kids. She does not speak as clearly, is not as independent, looks a little different and is overweight. These are not bad things by any means, but still I find myself compensating for Alex; something that should not be and is not necessary.

For example, often I find myself speaking for Alex. When she is asked a question and hesitates to answer, I answer for her. This is an awful habit, as Alex is merely using the silence to formulate her response in her mind. This has created a cycle where she expects me to answer for her. This does not happen with John; he will not answer for her, which forces her to respond. Obviously, I cannot go on like this for the rest of her life; this is a habit I must break.

As far as her independence, I believe I have gotten a little better; I allow Alex to go to the bathroom by herself in public places. She can buy her own movie tickets, food from vendors and ask for directions. I encourage this and remind myself she is 17 and should be doing this. Perhaps I waited a few years longer than John to allow her this independence, but I have mastered this behavior. Alex is proud of her ability to do things herself, and often insists.

In terms of Alex’s physical appearance, she is beautiful and nothing will ever convince me otherwise. I do not like the way she dresses or her flat our refusal to wear make-up or jewelry. Call me old fashioned, but I like it when girls look feminine and accentuate their looks. However, I was the ultimate tom boy growing up, so I can see where Alex is coming from, and despite my constant pleadings I respect her appearance. John leaves her alone recognizing when the time comes she will change. I am hopeful he is right.

Weight; the ultimate challenge, the bane of our existence and the only serious problem we have with Alex. Once again, John and I treat Alex differently on this issue. I will go on record as saying John is MUCH better about the food consumption than I. Alex can whine, beg and plead for second helpings, or dessert, and sometimes I give in. John does not. I am a sucker for tears, and promises of “healthy eating”; yet am disappointed again and again over the power of food to Alex. She cannot help herself to overeat and I know I cannot be an enabler. This is another habit I must break.

It’s true; I treat Alex differently than I treat Courtney and Tom and differently than John treats Alex. Alex is, and will always be, my special child, the daughter I never knew I would have, the magic I never envisioned and the joy I never knew existed. I feel the same about all three of my children, but can’t a Mom be a little overprotective sometimes?

2 comments:

  1. Don't be too hard on yourself. It is difficult to find a balance in our families when we have children with such different needs. I think you know what you need to do, that's a start :)

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  2. Wow. I could have written this post. Beth is 25 and this is our life. For years we spoke for Beth. When someone asks her a question, she thinks about her answer. And thinks. And the silence becomes uncomfortable. And she expected it. We too have broken that habit. (But it wasn't too long ago.)

    Beth hates to wear jewelry. She doesn't like the feel of necklaces around her neck or bracelets around her wrists. She doesn't like to brush her hair. It is a constant fight to get her to brush it.

    Her weight. We cannot get her to stop eating. She is a s-l-o-w eater. By the time she finishes breakfast, she wants to start lunch. Or have a snack. We are trying to eat togther more often, but it doesn't always happen. And now that Beth has her own 'apartment' downstairs, it is even harder to get her to eat helthier.

    You are not alone in this!!

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