Amar, approaching 2 years old

Quite some time ago, I had a 'discussion' with this special someone. I disagreed with her style of treating sibling-A differently from sibling-B. Unwisely, I said she was being unfair. In response to my comment, all she said was something like - one day in the future, you will understand and see things more clearly.

Indeed I have.

So far, I have two children - Sarah and Amar. Both are different, but special in their own way. Amar is a very quiet boy, too quiet that at 22 months (almost 2 years old) he only say one word; "Ba" or "Baba".

Recently Amar showed his talkative side by starting to babble. I welcomed his babbles although they could be so noisy like a chicken clucking.

The above used to be Amar's favourite toy. He could sit at the toy corner and push the cubes, one by one, from one end to the other. And I'm quite sure his 'air-liur' meleleh due to his very high concentration playing the game.


This is another obsession. The pink beetle was actually a birthday present for Sarah from Auntie De and family. Amar has just found out that if he pushed the car key into the keyhole, the boot will flung open. Everyday, he will have a full session playing with the car - opening and closing the boot.

One thing, he doesn't share his toys. When you see Amar gets upset, you'll know it's either he is hurt or Sarah is trying to "play together" with him.

Amar is a reasonable boy. I remember having problem to have a five minute peace from Sarah. When she was little, she tagged along wherever I go. Unlike Amar, he is easily pleased. Give him toys or let him watch a DVD - then he will stay put for hours.

Precisely opposite from Sarah, it was difficult to "introduce" books to Amar. Sarah has a memory like an elephant. She remembers well and it is always easy to teach her things. Amar is a different story. Whenever I sat him on my laps and start opening a book, he will find a way to wriggle himself free. He is just not interested -full stop-

Well, of late - Sarah and I have managed to excite Amar into reading! The only book that has an effect on Amar was; "Aaaarrgghh, SPIDERS!" by genius Lydia Monks. (Sadly, the book has to be returned to the library a few days ago)

The same with writing or scribbling. Lots of friends made a huge fuss when I was slow to act to a very young Sarah holding a pen. I was not worried as she really has very good control when holding a pen and she even knew to scribble only on paper.

Amar picked up a pen very late - I was always worried that he was not interested in books or writing. But last December (at the age of 20 months) he picked up MY pen and scribbled NON STOP on MY sudoku book. Sarah knew she must not touch my sudoku book. She must not scribble on my book. But when Amar held the pen for the first time, I let him scribbled my Sudoku book. I was too happy that he finally showed some interest!

I was too happy I recorded the important milestone on my camera-phone. Unfortunately, I still have problem to upload it to Windows Movie Maker.

My current weakness is I compare Amar's development with Sarah. The health visitor who came to visit us recently said I shouldn't. Back to the story between the special someone and I, now I have learnt that every child is different. They grow at different pace and it's up to us to give them the support they need.

I have also learnt that we are not treating our children differently intentionally. But because they are different, the approach is different too. The best thing to do now is to take it easy and celebrate every achievements accomplished by them.


Oh yes, that special someone is my mother.