<p>Nice post periwinkle :)</p>
<p>It’s nice when you have an opportunity to praise good heart / good deeds too. Once in ms DD and her friend gave up trying to get a good time on the mile run. Instead, they dropped back to cheer a friend (a lesser ability friend who kept saying he couldn’t finish). They ran along side him to the finish line. That makes me as proud as the DDs good grades. </p>
<p>IMO the idea is to let your son know that you love him for who he is and you are confident that he will be successful. Success should be measured in more than GPA, what college you attend etc…success must also be measured in being a good, honorable, kind etc. person. I’d keep complimenting what he does well. And let him know that you expect him to put effort into school, that you won’t ever judge him based on his brothers.</p>
<p>I grew up with two brothers who were 18 months apart in age…one brilliant one who graduated from an Ivy League college , went to med school etc., and one who took five plus years to graduate from a mediocre state school. Their parents always praised both of them and accepted each for his strengths and abilities. Turns out the less academically inclined son started a fantastic business and is now making much more than his doctor brother. AND most importantly they both grew up to be wonderful and caring men…</p>
<p>@colorado_mom and @happy1 Those are great stories. Yes youngest has such a warm and caring spirit. Definitely need to celebrate this wonderful quality. </p>
<p>In fact - taking him out to see some early western and comedy silent films tonight. Just the two of us. Should be a treat.</p>
<p>I love this book: <a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Siblings-Without-Rivalry-Children-Together/dp/0393342212/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416149561&sr=1-1&keywords=siblings+without+rivalry”>http://www.amazon.com/Siblings-Without-Rivalry-Children-Together/dp/0393342212/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416149561&sr=1-1&keywords=siblings+without+rivalry</a></p>
<p>It is applicable to families with siblings of any age. I’ve read it and reread it numerous ties through the years. </p>