Different is Interesting: A Quirky Journey of Parenting

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You could say my son is a bit quirky. When he was just a year old, he became obsessed with these fluffy snow boots and wore them all through 2009—even during summer, paired with shorts and no socks. His tiny feet were possibly the smelliest I’ve ever encountered! After that, he transitioned to wearing fireman rain boots, gifts from a neighbor, and he took immense pride in being prepared for rainy days, resulting in countless puddle-jumping sessions between the ages of two and three.

His unique traits didn’t stop at footwear. I recall one day opening his toy box only to find it nearly empty. It took me days to realize he had stashed all his toys inside various backpacks, which he would lug around everywhere—even falling asleep with them strapped to his back. Even now, he has a knack for organizing things in a way that reflects his creative mind.

However, when he got sick, those charming quirks morphed into something more serious. The cute behaviors he exhibited transformed into compulsions he felt compelled to perform. This is what childhood OCD can feel like—having thoughts push and pull at you, insisting you act on them, all while worrying about what others might think.

His OCD is complicated by a tic disorder, leading to repetitive movements and sounds that can be difficult for him. While he enjoys being different in a good way, he fears being viewed as different in a negative light. Recently, he has shown improvement in managing his condition thanks to his cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions and various life changes. This progress has made his quirks less overwhelming, allowing him to embrace who he is more fully.

Of course, we face challenging days, but we also experience beautiful moments that remind me how much I cherish who he is becoming. He often thinks about things that other kids don’t, like the implications of death and the world’s issues. His openness and lack of a filter make him both honest and endearing.

Just last week, he began second grade. On the second day of school, he came down wearing his shirt inside out and backward, which sparked this exchange:

Me: Oh, so you’re going for that style? I didn’t realize it was a school trend too.
Him: I like it this way.
Me: Just a heads-up, you might get a lot of questions.
Him: Maybe, but I think it’ll be fine.

When he returned home, he had changed his shirt—still inside out, but not backward.

Me: Oh, you changed?
Him: I got tired of being questioned. Everyone thought I was confused, but really, it was them.

He gets it. He understands himself; it’s everyone else who struggles to keep up. He has always been the one to challenge norms, and his differences intrigue those around him. His vibrant personality, enriched by these quirks, makes him stand out in the best way possible.

And then there are the socks. They have always been mismatched, except for a brief period in kindergarten when I tried to exert control over something in my life. He used to unfold the matching pairs I laid out, opting for two non-matching ones. Now, he’ll just grab any two socks out of the laundry, regardless of their color or shape, though lately, he’s become more particular. At least one sock must be tall, preferably patterned or brightly colored, but white ones? Those are just plain boring.

This trend has gotten so popular that other parents have thanked me for lightening their own laundry burdens since their kids now prefer mismatched socks too. You’re welcome, but honestly, it’s all him.

Curious about his sock choices, I asked:

Me: What’s the deal with the socks?
Him: They don’t match.
Me: I know that, but why?
Him: Because everything in life doesn’t need to be perfect. It’s okay for things to be different. Different is interesting, and I want an interesting life. Plus, I can never find the matches anyway.

And I found myself in tears. I feel incredibly fortunate to have him in my life. I often wonder why he came to me, and I experience a whirlwind of emotions—fear, excitement, anxiety, and pure joy.

Me: I’m so happy you chose me to be your mom.
Him: I didn’t. God sent me because He knew we’d be good together.

And honestly, how can I argue with that?

If you’re interested in exploring more about the journey of parenting, feel free to check out our other blog post on home insemination, which offers valuable insights and resources. For more information on boosting fertility, you can visit this link, and if you’re seeking help with infertility, I highly recommend this resource.

In summary, parenting a unique child has its challenges, but it also brings immense joy. Embracing differences can lead to interesting and enriching experiences that shape both our lives.