The Little Brother

I'm an older brother and Shelley is a younger sister. When we had Chase, Shelley became "The Little Brother Advocate". She wanted to make sure Chase got equal treatment because she knew what it was like to be the younger sibling. This is fortunate because I originally underestimated how this dynamic would work but I have had the opportunity to view it from a different perspective and it is truly amazing.

First, Chase doesn't want anything that he feels doesn't live up to what Seth has. For example, when Seth started T-ball, we gave Chase a little vinyl glove, not a leather one, and a cloth covered baseball. He instantly knew these were not as good as the glove and ball Seth had and has had nothing to do with them but insists on playing with the real t-balls we have in the house. We got Chase some Thomas the Tank Engines for 0 - 12 months age but he won't play with them but prefers to play with Seths "actual" Thomas the Tank Engines. You won't believe the tension in our this causes...

Also, if Seth can do it then Chase thinks he can do it, forgetting the fact that he can't even walk yet. He has no fear and will get right into the middle of whatever Seth is doing and try it.

I always thought it was silly when people would buy 2 of everything because both kids had to have one. Well, I can see I am going to be spending at least the next few years buying 2 of everything...