The Lodger and Us

I knew the question was coming. I could see it forming on the lips of the parent sitting across from me. She's holding her little girl of about one. I can sense it. She's about to ask 'What age is your little boy?' There's a split second here where I hesitate. I can lie and say he's one. He's about the size of a one year old. He's sitting like a one year old. Crawling like a one year old. This will avoid the follow up look of surprise, the look of pity, the comments 'o he's small for his age' and the potential questions of why! I sit and make up my mind. I tell her he's 26 months. I can quickly see her analyse him. She's probably not even aware she does it. I immediately follow it up with 'and your little girl?' I keep the conversation going with the usual topics of parenthood - sleeping, outgrowing clothes, tiredness etc etc., Luckily the class starts before I'm quizzed further. I don't hold back on spreadin...