Affirmative affection

Not exactly an age for the crib. A recent photo of Siddarth in his old play-room.Notice his favorite car – Lightning Macqueen - painted on the wall.

Many a million cars must have sped through the Bay Bridge since Siddarth grew out of a crib nearly two years ago. And our young friend has now a new play-room downstairs, suitably cluttered and chaotic for his age.

The play-room upstairs is nowadays used for changing Nikhil’s diapers and patting him to sleep in the crib – he doesn’t easily do this, particularly when his brother is around. But then Siddarth, chases Nikhil to the upstairs room, not so much to disturb the younger one, but to claim equal attention from mom Meera.Meera reading a story book to Siddarth at the upstairs play-room.

Ever since Nikhil came along, seven months back, his parents have adopted, what I call, the policy of affirmative affection.Siddarth not merely gets, but is also seen to be given as much attention and affection as the younger one. But then Nikhil, being nearly two years younger, needs more care, which is mistaken for preferential affection; and Siddarth reckons he can garner more attention by acting like Nikhil.

Nikhil’s first attempt to stand on his feet in the crib evoked much excitement. Siddarth got into the act, along with Nikhil in the crib, acting as a seven-month old. I don’t remember the moment when Siddarth first stood on his two feet. But I was as excited seeing him do it in the crib. Never mind if it was an act, done two years too late. Which is what affirmative affection is all about.