1×2 = 2 and 2×2 is of course = 4. So what am I rattling about?  As my younger boy grows, there is greater intensity of competition between the two boys at home. Jealousy becomes a common phenomenon in the family.  I find myself having to repeat my actions, responses and gestures in order to be deemed as FAIR and SQUARE. Sometimes, I even have to repeat it twice on the two boys.

Just the other day, Darren came making noise to me.

Darren: ”Why you say goodnight to Gor Gor (elder brother) and never say good night to me?”

Mummy: ”Ok. Goodnight little darling. Mummy is thinking of saying to you later.”

Darren:”Why you say so loudly to Gor Gor but to me so softly?” (Obviously, he is not satisfied.)

Mummy:”Goodnight Darren!” (in louder tone)

Brendan:”Why you say to Darren twice but to me once?”(Hmm…now they are in a little competition.)

Mummy:”Ok. Goodnight Brendan.”

Darren:”Goodnight mummy.”(Darren decided to complete the cycle again.)

Brendan:”Why you say one more time? You cheat!” (He was upset that his brother was contesting him.)

Mummy:”OK BOYS! Goodnight to both! That’s it for tonight!” (Mummy got to be firm.)

Sensing that it is finally getting on my nerves, they finally willingly went to bed. This is just a typical example of children getting jealous over the smallest thing. I guess at this age, they are all vying for attention and fairness from their loved ones, and getting affected by the slightest unfairness. Displaying fairness to them keeps them feeling assured and safe. So it becomes a typical action, multiplying into two times or even four times, especially when  there are two kids at home. I do cautiously remember that I do not ignore the feelings of the other boy before the competition begins again! I guess when the boys are in a childhood fighting spirits, any smallest thing will trigger hostility between them *Frown*. It is for mummy to mediate.

2 Responses to “1×2 or 2×2?”