When a child is compared to another.... Options

[Mistress Bags]

I know I'm older and don't live with my mom, but this is something that always held me back as a child, and something that pisses me off to this day.

I hate it when a parent compares her child to somebody else's child. For example: "Ashley, why can't you make better grades? Mrs. Thompson's daughter Lily makes straight A's, and she's not remarkably smart. I don't think you're trying hard enough."

Or..

"Ashley, why can't you keep your room immaculate? Mrs. Thompson NEVER has to tell HER children to clean. You're such a bad child."

People make mistakes. Furthermore, children are not even close to perfect. They're growing into an individual. Instead of comparing their faults to another's strengths, why not be more understanding? If you want your child to make better grades or to clean his/her room more often, try to find a more positive way to do it.

Did anybody have to deal with this when growing up? How do you feel about it?

[*Statues/Shadows*]

I do more now than I did then, actually. My mom has become good friends with one of my friend's mothers, and he's perfect at everything, so while I don't think my mom means to do it, she will say things about him that she's told that make me feel pathetic because I don't really need to be reminded of all the ways my friends are superior to me. Besides which, through elementary school I was actually a really good kid, and there weren't too many other people she knew to compare me to, except maybe James.

I do almost feel bad that my sisters get compared to me, though. Almost.