Is it normal to miss a child that has nothing to do with me?

67% Normal
5 Comments

Basically, I had this nursery work placement and I became attached to this one kid. I didn't treat him any differently to the others but I suppose I favored him somehow. I'm pretty sure this is because he reminded me a lot of my little brother, who passed away at the age of 3. This kid looks a lot like him and seemed to take to me straight away when I started the placement. Little things he did would instantly remind me of my brother, like sulking and ignoring me when I was working with the other kids, just like my brother did when I wanted to be on my own or was paying attention to my other siblings/children in the family. I suppose in some way it feels like my 'little brother' has been taken away all over again, and I can't stand it. My issue is that I really miss this kid and want to be part of his life again, but I know I can't, and would NEVER attempt to. I'm sure that would freak his parents out if I tried and it's just inappropriate. Is it normal to feel this way?

Voting Results
67% Normal
Based on 48 votes (32 yes)
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Comments ( 5 )
  • Echoes
    13 years ago

    What's gone is gone, and you can't take what doesn't belong to you. Your brother is not coming back and you can't have the kid who reminds you of him.
    Step over your heart and carry on.

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  • wannarocktheworld
    12 years ago

    just forget him

    just be grateful for all those moments you had with that kid

    i mean happiness is not something you can extend over a period of time or something you can capture and store and experience forever. its the thing that you experience in the moment, and not beyond it

    let go of the feeling. the more you think about it, the more it will pain you. besides, its not that your world won't run without that little kid. just be grateful that you had good time with that kid and bury that memory

    and to answer your question, its normal

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  • alv1592
    13 years ago

    of course it's normal. obviously you really loved your brother and you miss him. and you liked this little kid because he reminds you of him.

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  • [Old Memory]
    13 years ago

    It's normal but u know it's hard to let go but hun let it go and move on good luck

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  • Caps90
    13 years ago

    I believe it is very normal for you to feel this way. You miss your little brother. You met another little boy who has a lot of the same characteristics that he had. It is only natural for you to bond and sorta cling to him. It seems to me that in a way you felt you had your little brother back and now you don't again. Just be glad you got to meet this boy and have fun with him while he was in your class! I hope you feel better!

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