Mom Horrified She May Have Birthed A Better Human Than Herself

Urban Baby. Why do I even go there? I can’t help it – that’s why. Also, there are a ton of women on the site who make me feel like an amazing human being. It’s the little things, folks. If a bunch of anonymous “mean girl” moms make me feel better about my lot in life – so be it.

Here’s a little gem I read last night. It’s a story of a mother who seems to be distressed that her child is turning out to be a better human than she is. How can she make it stop?

No flames please, and hear me out. DS is in 2nd grade at a good public. There is a boy in his class who is clearly special needs – I’m not sure if it’s mild autism or what, but he is definitely “slow” and not quite socially normal. DS is well-liked among his classmates, and he’s a top student, but he’s very easy-going and good-natured. The teacher ALWAYS pairs my DS with this kid for class projects, field trip buddies, etc, I think because DS has a very accepting personality. The mother always wants to have playdates. I am getting a little bit annoyed. Why does my ds have to be the caretaker of this other kid? I am on the verge of saying something to the teacher.

Oh no! You’ve raised a child that is accepting of other people, even those you deem too “slow” to be friends with “socially normal” kids like your son. You’ve somehow managed to raise an “easy-going,” “good-natured,” kid with a “very accepting personality.” This is pretty much a miracle, since you seem determined to squelch those traits. You have mentioned nothing about your son actually having a problem with this, so maybe (gasp!) he considers this boy his friend. And if he really is a “top” student, hanging out with someone you deem developmentally slower than him obviously isn’t affecting his performance.

I would consider it the ultimate win as a parent to realize that my child treats other living beings like actual humans – even if they are a little different than everyone else. Special needs issues aren’t contagious, lady. Please don’t let your own fear stop your child from blossoming into the great human it seems like he is destined to be.

(photo: Everett Collection/ Shutterstock)