I came across this picture recently and it brought back memories of this year in my life. 3rd grade and about 9 years old “Full of piss and vinegar” my mom used to say and I can see it in this photo.
Do I look like I was handful? Well I was. (Allegedly) I was the boss of everything. Yes, I was the kid who was always the mommy when playing house.
I liked to be in charge. I was very social.
I was the kid who picked up friends wherever I went. We grew up next to a community center so I was there daily. I would find kids my age and play with them all day and then invite them to sleepover. I would call home and ask my mom if it was ok to have them come home with me. “What’s your friend’s name?” my mom would ask. I would turn to the friend and say, “What’s your name?”
I would generally focus on one friend at a time for a given period of time. Only one friend. “All your eggs in one basket,” my mom would say. Then I would get tired of the friend or the friend would get tired of me, and I would have to find a new one to replace her.
I had my little quirks, funny habits like chewing ice and collecting every nick nack I could get my hands on- tiny flashlights, coins, jewelry, keychains you name it.
Flash forward thirty years later and I am raising a mini me.
I have son who not only looks like me (at least that’s what everyone tells me) but acts like me.
He is very social.
He focuses on only one friend at a time. (Is this a kid thing?)
He chews ice. (My bad habit I still have)
He knows it all.
He collects things. If you go into any random drawer, this child has keychains, coins, unfinished mini art projects, candy (another childhood habit of mine, hiding food & candy) and an assortment of other small items.
I find this all very amusing, the similarities. He continues to challenge me daily with his vernacular and advanced vocabulary. He engages me in conversations about life and lessons.
I don’t remember being this intelligent at his age.
Of course, my mother tells me I was talking in full sentences at 15 months.
Our kids are exposed to so much more than when I growing up. Maybe this contributes to my son’s capacity to interact on current events in such a sophisticated fashion.
Was he hardwired like this at birth. How did he come out so much like me? Have I influenced him unconsciously?
He is an incredible child and I am blessed to have him in my life. But I often wonder.
Do your kids have the same habits and mannerisms that you have?
Kim Gellman is the owner of Artisticsensations.com, a fun and hip website that sells kids furniture, bedding, and room decor from baby to college age kids. She is the mother of two boys and enjoys every moment of life and all its adventures!
