We were jumping on the trampoline the other day. Just Matthew and I. We were practicing counting and letters and laughing. He looks at me while we’re jumping and says…
Matthew: Mom, when will Olivia be my real sister?
Me: What do you mean? She is your real sister.
Matthew: No, I mean REAL, Mom. She’s not like us now. You know, she’s different. Not like us? When will she be like us?
Me: Well, she has 5p- syndrome, remember?
Matthew: Huh?
Me: Remember when we went to the conference this summer and met all of those other kids who were like her?
Matthew: Oh yeah. I nemember fat.
Me: Well, she has that syndrome and she’ll always be like she is.
Matthew: So you mean she’ll never be my real, regular sister?
Me: No, honey, she’ll be just like she is now. She’s your sister and she’s real but she has 5p-.
Matthew: That’s no fair! I want a real big sister!!!
Me: I know, honey, but she’s a good sister just the way she is, isn’t she?
Matthew: Well…yeah. I love her. She’s pretty good.
Elastamom's Excerpts 
i just love how kids are so honest and open to accepting things as they are. such a sweetie boy!
Awww….such a bittersweet conversation huh.
Kids have a way of cutting right to the core. I’m glad he felt comfortable enough to ask you that question and that you responded without being mad.
Sweet honesty. It touched my heart and cracked it a little too.
This tugged my heart. I can only imagine how it felt to have this conversation. You handled it beautifully, Tiffany. What a blessed little boy he is to feel safe enough to bring thoughts like this up with you.
Oh, this is such a hard conversation. Little ones have a way of putting it ALL out there. Tiffany, you handled it with grace. Love the pic at the end.
Kids are so honest sometimes. Heartbreaking, but it’s really good that he can talk about his feelings and that you let him say what he needs to say.
Hoo-boy. My heart is on the floor. What a moving little conversation you had with your son.
Beautiful.
Just brutal in their honesty aren’t they? You handled that very well. I’m sure it won’t be the last conversation on this topic the two of you will share. Chin up lately, kiddo. Hang in there.
Wow that’s a lot to digest. Your kids have a beautiful relationship and no matter what his little mind is processing he finished bhy saying ya I love her so that means you are doing every thing right!
Thank you for this! I can imagine how tough it must have been for you. I have been wondering alot lately how I would handle it when my four yr old wants to know why his sister is different.
What an amazing little man. So glad that you are honest with him. It’s important that kids ask these questions so that the big people can remind them that love is what it’s all about. Love ya Matty:)
I have no words…You are such a wonderful mother.
That made me cry. Tough conversation….. but love the ending!!!