Somewhere out there someone hosted Fun Monday yesterday and the topic had something to do with a "little white lie" that you "may or may not have told" at some point.
What an intriguing topic. . .I had to tell mine.
Since giving birth to my (very large, remember) son, I've been asked countless times: "What percentile is he in?"
First of all, I don't think that is grammatically correct.
Secondly, it's so weird to me that people want to know this and start comparing their kids immediately after birth. Like a competition. And people you don't even know ask this, too. ???
Thirdly, I totally realize people are just curious and this is a conversation-starter. People mean no harm and are not recording the neighborhood kids' percentiles in a little black book to give to high school coaches some day or anything. . .If you are "into" percentiles, that is totally cool. . .
I just have a "thing" about the percentiles.
I don't believe in them. Seriously, the size of your newborn does not dictate their size at adulthood.
So when people ask about it, I am totally elusive.
"Umm. . .I wasn't paying attention to the pediatrician when she was going over that."
(I am a HORRIBLE liar. So, yeah, I'm sure my nearest and dearest totally know I was giving a little white lie about not knowing Zane's percentile.)
Seriously, I know every doggone detail about this kid--do you honestly think I would miss that?
(Not that it's important. Or even means anything. It's just random trivia about my kid, and who's going to miss out on that??)
Honestly, my 7-week-old is larger than some 4-month-olds. What percentile do you THINK he is in? Jeez.
So that's my little white lie. I do know how Zane measures up in height, weight, and head circumference compared to average American kid growth with a +/- of who knows. . . . seriously, it doesn't mean he's going to be the next Hakeem Olajuwan because he's a "tall" 7-week-old. He's just 100% healthy.
And that's the only percentile that matters.
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7 comments:
right - 100% healthy is all that matters.
for some reason when I had my son - I was surrounded by all these tall people with all tall kids. My son was in the 70% for height and theirs was in the 90th - and I found myself worrying over his height - I've grown out of that now, thank goodness.
I agree with karmyn healthy is all that matters. I remember my oldest grandson was on lowish percentile for height given that beccy and joules are both tall. Well he has certainly caught up and overtaken at 14 he's on a par if not above his mum and I feel positively short when I stand by him.
Amen sista!
I'm not one to try and "keep up with the Joneses"...so when our son was born, I was appalled at how competitive parents become with their children's stats. Since we have a boy, at a certain age he gets passed up by the girls in height...that's just a known fact. Yet, for some of my friends, they think that because their daughter (who is the same age) is taller, that makes her superior. When they bring this up, I usually just smile and say "that's nice."
I hate to say, but it doesn't get any better. Wait until you go the 3-year checkup...they "measure" how "intelligent" your child is...and that really fuels the bragging fire!
Maybe you should try responding, "I don't believe in percentiles."
Silly things like that always seem to shut people up ;)
Karmyn: Didn't know that about girls. . .good to know
ChrisB: we're not that much above average height, so I expect him to level out as soon as I stop spiking my milk with steroids and creatine
CC: I know this is just the beginning of the "kid competition." I'm just trying to not to get caught up in it at any point. Appreciate the good reply suggestion!
Guilty Secret: I just might!
They measure intelligence at the 3 year check-up?????? You're kidding, right?!
You seem to have a good perspective on it, Sabrina. I guess you already realize this, but well-meaning others will give you more reason to second-guess yourself than you ever thought possible over the next few years. Nope, there's not an exact science to raising a kid well...it's all about knowing your own, listening to, then filtering others' suggestions, and doing the best you can :).
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