Accept contrast between siblings

I HAVE two very different children and so it should come as no surprise that they excel at very different things.

The younger of the pair enjoys school and subsequently does quite well academically.

He also enjoys sport, soccer is his passion it would seem and again does fine in that environment.

The other child does not particularly enjoy school – he would prefer to be outside and close to nature.

To give you an insight into their difference, both recently were due to sit NAPLAN.

I asked the “academic” of the pair how he was feeling heading into the test. He basically couldn’t wait, especially for the mathematics component because “they ask really hard questions”.

With the other child, let’s just say he was not so enthusiastic – for him exams are terrifying and an ordeal.

Such is the plight of many parents with multiple children.

When you have a child with strengths that do not lie in the usual areas, such as schooling and sport, it can be tough.

My eldest child may not enjoy school, but he is the sort of kid who connects with nature and animals, and has vast knowledge in this area.

Parents need to recognise and understand their children’s strengths. Sure, it can be hard, but it certainly worth it.