Is Comparing Our Kids Ever Useful?
Why is it siblings so often seem to be total opposites? \nIf we notice that and lean into comparisons, are we bad parents? \nAnd if our kids really are completely different, are they choosing those divergent paths on purpose? Yes and no. Here's why kids in the same family can turn out so differently, and what it means for us as we parent them.\nIn this episode we discuss:\n\nThe definition of "adaptive divergence"\n\nThe difference between knowing our kids and comparing them\n\nWhy each of our children, even in the same household, grow up in their own "micro environments"\n\n\nAt the end of the day, we're wired to compare our kids as naturally as breathing. And instead of punishing ourselves for doing so, noticing when we do it and why is a good start. Even if you think you already know everything about your kids, keep your data intake sheets open! \nLINKS! \n\nOur episode "Why Are Our Kids Such Total Opposites?"\n\n\nLynn Berger for Mother Mag: "How (Not To) Compare Your Children"\n\n\nDr. Frank Sulloway: "Why Siblings Are Like Darwin\u2019s Finches: Birth Order, Sibling Competition, and Adaptive Divergence within the Family"\n\n\nJensen, Alexander C et al. in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence: \u201cParents' Social Comparisons of Siblings and Youth Problem Behavior: A Moderated Mediation Model.\u201d\n\n\nSheryl Ziegler for The Tot: "Why raising your kids differently is actually a good thing"\n\n\n\nSpecial thanks to our sponsors for this month:\nFor trusted protection, choose Pampers, the #1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand. Download the Pampers Club App today to start earning rewards with every diaper & wipes purchase.\nAuthor Accelerator\u2019s Book Coach Certification program provides resources to help you launch your own thriving business coaching writers. Head to bookcoaches.com/podcasts to find out more.\nThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. If you want to live a more empowered life, therapy can get you there. Visit BetterHelp.com/FRESH today to get 10% off your first month.\xa0\nHello Fresh is America\u2019s #1 Meal Kit. Go to HelloFresh.com/wfhpod21 and use code wfhpod21 for 21 free meals plus free shipping!\nGo to onepeloton.com to get $500 off Peloton Tread packages and choose the bundle you like best.\xa0All-access membership separate. Offer ends January 8, 2023. Excludes Tread basics. See additional terms at onepeloton.com.\nRakuten\xa0is an online shopping platform that gives you cash back when you shop at thousands of stores.\xa0Start shopping at\xa0rakuten.com\xa0or get the Rakuten app to start saving today.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices