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?

[iDecay]

My parents do it ALL the time. My dad compares me to my 23 year old cousin. He always says how she was such a good child and how much he loves her. He doesen't show me any freaking love. He says that she's way better than me, and I start crying and my mom tells me to shut up.. I remember him saying that he failed with me. How the hell would he know if I'm only 13? I'm not even in high school yet.. I get my report card, and they're like "WTH? I talked to David's mom and he got better grades than you!" It really pisses me off. They don't help me out with my homework and expect me to bother friends 24/7 for help on homework. They compare me to people in regular classes, when I'm in honors. I've told them that I'm gonna eventually be effed up, but they don't believe it. Heh.

.. Rant much?