I seem to have a knack for creating big kids. Seriously, baby clothes in the newborn size have become a thing of the past, tucked away in the attic. Both of my little ones are hitting the charts at the 99th percentile for height, according to the World Health Organization. It seems I have two of the tallest toddlers around!
When my daughter was just 18 months old, she was already as big as the average 3-year-old. My son, the youngest in his preschool class, towers over his peers. They often give off the impression of being older than they really are. I remember one grocery trip vividly; my son was throwing a fit in the cart, desperate to escape and make a break for it. As I scrambled to get our groceries checked out before he erupted, I overheard someone in the next line say, “Wow, somebody’s 2!”
Actually, somebody is just 1—still very much a toddler! It’s amusing how often people assume my kids are older than they are. Most of the time, it’s innocent enough, like when a ticket attendant raises an eyebrow, unsure if my big kids qualify for free admission. But there have been moments where I’ve had to intervene when another parent scolds my child, expecting behavior that’s just unrealistic for their age.
“She doesn’t know any better. She’s not even 2,” I’ve had to explain more than once. Like any parent, I’m trying to teach my kids manners, respect, and of course, not to eat random snacks off the floor. But toddlers are toddlers, and they can only grasp so much at this age.
When I notice another parent giving my daughter unsolicited advice—thinking she should act a certain way just because she’s “big” for her age—I usually step in to say hello and ask how old their child is. “20 months,” they often respond. “Oh, mine is too!” Their eyes widen, and they often chuckle about how “sturdy” my daughter is. Suddenly, the expectations shift, and my little one can go back to playing, blissfully unaware of the adult drama around her.
Sometimes I even wish I had one of those age stickers that parents use for monthly baby photos, just to clarify that my daughter isn’t some intimidating 3-year-old rampaging through the toddler play area at the library. Nope, she’s just a little 1-year-old with a big personality!
Occasionally, I find myself caught off-guard when parents expect too much from both our kids. If my daughter approaches another child and snatches a toy, I’d rather let them sort it out. After all, how many 1-year-olds really understand sharing? Yet, I can feel the judgment when the other parent rushes in, insisting, “No, sweetie. Share. You can take turns.”
Share? What does that even mean to a toddler? All they hear is “Mom says that word when I want something.” And just as tensions rise, I might say something like, “Her brother was just like this before he turned 2. It gets better when they’re older!” The other parent’s demeanor often shifts, and suddenly there’s understanding between us.
Kids come in all shapes and sizes, and their ages aren’t always obvious. So, next time you see a towering toddler, remember that parents are doing their best, too. And if you’re looking for resources on home insemination or pregnancy, consider checking out Make a Mom, which offers a unique at-home insemination kit. You can learn more about how it works here, and you might find some useful tips on boosting fertility with products like their fertility supplements. If you’re curious about pregnancy, WomensHealth.gov is an excellent resource to explore.
In summary, it’s important to remember that children develop at their own pace, and we should avoid making assumptions based on appearances. Every child is unique, and we, as parents, are navigating our own journeys while trying to raise them well.
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