You Don’t Need to Remind My Son That He’s Small for His Age

home insemination Kit

My son had just celebrated his 5th birthday. This was the first year he truly grasped the excitement of being a year older and all the magic that comes with it. I often wish I could feel that level of enthusiasm about my own birthdays.

“Am I a big boy now, Mommy?” he asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“Yes, sweetheart. You’re definitely big,” I reassured him.

Not long after, while we were running errands, a woman in line at the deli noticed him. “How old is he?” she asked with a warm smile.

“I’m 5!” my son proudly declared, as only a newly minted 5-year-old can.

The woman glanced at me, seemingly perplexed. “Is he really 5?”

I nodded, thinking it was no big deal that she wanted to double-check. After all, when my daughter was in elementary school, she had a quirky habit of claiming she was 27. Kids can be funny that way.

“Wow. But he’s so tiny,” she remarked, reaching out to playfully ruffle his hair. “Doesn’t your Mommy feed you enough?” Despite her lighthearted tone, her words stung a bit.

Yes, I know my son is small. I understand the lady didn’t mean to offend or question my parenting skills; she was just making an observation. Yet, it didn’t change the fact that her words hit hard.

We finished our shopping, but my son was unusually quiet, not his usual lively self greeting other shoppers with a cheery “Hi, what’s your name?” or trying to convince me we absolutely needed that giant box of Spiderman fruit snacks.

“What’s wrong, buddy?” I asked.

“Mommy, you said I was big,” he replied, looking a bit hurt.

He had a valid point. I had spent the week building him up, only to have that confidence shaken by a stranger’s offhand comment.

Though he’s 5, he’s about the size of a tall 2-year-old. Size 2T pants fit him well in the waist, but they’re short. He might also resemble a shorter 3-year-old, but you get the idea—he’s little.

Despite his size, he’s a healthy kid. He had a rough start, born with complex digestive issues and orphaned just days after birth. Early medical care was minimal, and we adopted him shortly after he turned 3. When we first met, he was severely underweight and malnourished. For the past two years, I’ve focused on ensuring he gets the nutrition he needs to thrive.

He’s small, sure. Maybe it’s because of his early life, or maybe his biological parents were petite. Who knows? Maybe he’ll have a growth spurt and surprise us all. He’s not even on the growth charts for his age, but he’s doing just fine. I spent those early months fortifying his meals with cream and butter to help him catch up. Now, he’s thriving—healthy, but still small. Yes, I know my child is small.

Every time someone asks how old Kyle is, I brace myself for the typical responses like “Wow, really? He’s such a little guy” or “Gee, I thought he was younger.” These comments are becoming harder for him to hear as he grows and understands what people say about his size. I tell him he’s a big boy because, well, that’s what moms do. I find myself giving him pep talks about differences more often, thanks to these innocent yet hurtful remarks from well-meaning strangers.

What if he were chubby? Would people make similar comments? Would they say things like “Wow, that’s a hefty one you’ve got there” or “What are you feeding him?” Fat-shaming and body image are serious issues today, as you can find many articles online stressing that it’s what’s inside that matters more than looks. Yet, it seems acceptable to comment on someone being too skinny. The truth is, it’s not okay to comment on anyone’s body, regardless of size or shape.

I know my son is small, but he’s also strong. He may be tiny, but he can run, climb, and kick a ball—though he claims picking up his toys is “too hard” and makes him really tired. Will he grow taller in the future? Perhaps. He’s just 5, and his story is still being written. Whether he becomes a star athlete or something else entirely, I just want him to be a happy, well-adjusted person. His future isn’t determined by his height, and that’s what matters.

Yes, I know my son is small. Please keep your comments about his body—or anyone else’s— to yourself. Thank you!

For more insights into parenting and home insemination, check out this blog post. If you’re looking for helpful resources related to pregnancy, visit the March of Dimes for excellent information. Also, learn more about home insemination kits from this trusted source.

Summary: This blog tells the story of a mother navigating the challenges of her son’s small stature and the comments from others about his size. Despite the struggles he faced early on, her son is thriving, and she emphasizes the importance of valuing children for who they are, not their size.