The Curve of Normality

This past Monday I was given a crash course in raising children and the lecture topic was 'expectations'. My colleague Dave began to draw on the white board..."Josh, this is the 'Curve of Normality'".

"You see [pointing to 'A'], during the early stages of your wife's pregnancy, you're nurturing life. You visit the doctor and realize how precious and special the conception of life really is. All you can tell yourself is, 'Oh please let my baby be normal.' You don't really care if it is a boy or girl, all you wish for is a healthy baby." - Dave

"As your child learns to walk and speak a few words, you are convinced your child is a fast learner. Maybe your boy begins to run around the house [pointing to 'B'] with a football and there is no doubt your son is destined to be a pro athlete. They bring home their first report card and thoughts of Princeton, Harvard and William & Mary rush through your mind."

However, about this time [point to 'C'], your expectations begin to wane. They do a few stupid things and start using words that don't actually exist ('Cribs', 'Shizzle', 'Dawg'). Your expectations return to 'normalcy' and all you can think to yourself is 'I just hope my child can get a job'.

And that, is the Curve of Normality. Good luck Josh!