That’s what I was thinking as I scrolled through my timeline on FaceBook last month. So many of my friends had children that were exceptional. Awards for playing the cello, straight A’s, mastering martial arts and winning the Presidential Award just to name a few.
But, my Munch.
Well my Munch didn’t get any of those awards this year, heck for the last three years if we’re being honest. Does it matter to me? Nope.
Here’s why I’m okay with the fact that my kid is average:
- He lives in his own world. One where he still does a lot of self-play and discovers ways to ask interesting questions about things he sees on YouTube or Disney Jr. He’s inquisitive but has the ability to play well by himself. He asks questions all the time that he knows the answer too which is hilarious, but if he doesn’t know, we look it up. I like that.
- He’s finding his own rhythm. This school year has been one of emotional ups and downs for me as a parent. With knowing that my kid is feeling left out and being bullied to him trying to find his niche, I realized that I need to create more opportunities to just let him be. Being there when he wants and needs, but making sure not to hover.
- He doesn’t care if he moves to the next level or not. He didn’t test at all this school year for a new belt with Tae Kwan Do. He stayed the same level for a year. Was I disappointed? Yes, but I’ve come to realize that I probably need to change the game and do more things that he’s interested in. Figure out what he likes/doesn’t like and try to adjust. Heck, he’s repeating Level 3 swimming for the fifth time. Ugh! Thankfully there are only 6 levels in total, but I’m heeding the advice of Mr. C and giving it a break for now. He knows how to swim, so why am I stressing myself out?
- He likes to chill. Yes, it’s true. My son would rather sit at home and chill and draw Sonic characters for hours on end than go out and run errands, go to the playground or go to a friend’s house. He prefers to sit at home and chill. Yes, I still force him to go outside and learn things (we’re working on how to ride a bike this summer) but I have to respect the fact that he wants/craves downtime.
- He likes soccer and that’s good enough for me. Munch found out that he likes soccer and although he hates to run/workout he likes kicking the ball, meeting team mates and playing in the games. He’s an average player and I’m good with that.
I realized that I put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure that my child is somehow this black prodigy, but why? Why am I trying to create or force something that he’s not ready or willing to take on?
He just wants to exist. Yes, he’s average, but he’s exceptional in being average. He speaks French fluently, can draw artistically and can sing. He wants to learn to play the guitar and we’re going to buy some art supplies this weekend. I guess the key phrase is that “he wants” to do it. I guess in the end that’s all that matters because I want him to be great in his averageness.
A Thomas Point of View 
The way i see it he’s got a lot of As for been able speak French, swim and so on. Seriously girl your son would turn out right in his own strengths and ability. Check out Albert Einstein and Bill gates story… Peace…!!
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Yes, I’m trying to relax. Not stress him out
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Sounds like your boy has accomplished more in his 8 short years than I ever will. 🙂 You have an exceptional son.
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Aww. Thank you so much Matthew. He’s pretty cool.
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🙂 takes after his momma!
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Munch sounds amazing!!!! Good on him!!! Excellent post, thank you for sharing your Munch with us all!!!
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Thank you
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I LOVE this! My little one is like this. She tends to go off and play alone when things are too chaotic because she knows exactly what she needs. The more time your son spends doing the things that help him chill out, the better it will serve him in the future…you know, when we all have NO clue how to stop running, say no to commitments or stop freaking the hell out about life.
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I’m learning that.
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Never confuse “average” with unique. Dancing to a different drummer is sometimes the mark of individual creativity that quietly paves the way to exceptionalism.
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I like that. Unique. He’s definitely that. Thanks.
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Um, Munch doesn’t sound average speaking fluent French and stuff! I understand what you’re saying though. As always, you know I think you’re both great 😉
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Thanks Sis. Lol. It’s so much pressure to raise them that I just need to relax and let him live.
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Hooray for being average! For me, being okay with being average at things gives me the space to enjoy new things more and I stick with them longer, without the added pressure to be outstanding. We’re in good company after all, since, on average, most people are average!
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He may not have some dinky little blue ribbon or another b.s. award with his name on it, but the Munch Man is far from average!!! Fluent french at eight? Hell I bet there are eight year olds in Paris that don’t speak fluent French!
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Lmao. Thank you Gary. I needed that.
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Your Munch can speak fluent French! That is already so impressive!!!!!Don’t fret, you’re an excellent mama!
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Lol. Yes. Fluent. We just need to relax and let him be.
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