When Sisters Defy Size Expectations: A Tale of Two Little Girls

In the realm of social media, where viral content is often as unpredictable as it is captivating, a simple comparison between two sisters has captured the attention of millions on TikTok. Alyssa Crawford, a 29-year-old mother from Ontario, Canada, shared photos of her daughters that revealed a striking visual: her 4-year-old daughter Violet and 1-year-old daughter Sommer appear almost identical in size, despite their three-year age difference. The post quickly amassed over two million views, with viewers marveling at the unusual size similarity between the siblings.

The reality behind the viral images is both simple and complex. As Crawford explained to Newsweek, there is indeed a physical difference between her daughters—an 11-inch height gap and 8-pound weight difference—but the visual similarity remains remarkable. Violet, who is actually five and a half years old, stands at 37 inches tall and weighs 26 pounds, placing her at the very bottom of the typical height range for her age group, which is generally between 37 and 42.5 inches according to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Meanwhile, little Sommer, at just one year old, measures 26 inches and weighs 18 pounds, slightly below the typical range of 27 to 31 inches for children her age. The striking similarity in their appearance when seated side by side created the perfect conditions for a viral moment that resonated with parents everywhere.

Despite the attention drawn to Violet’s small stature, Crawford is quick to reassure that there’s no cause for medical concern. “At her recent appointment, the pediatrician assured us that she is growing fine,” she shared with Newsweek. “She might be smaller than those her age, but she is growing quickly on her own curve so there is nothing to worry about!” The family has been thorough in investigating potential medical causes, having tested Violet for celiac disease—an autoimmune disorder that can impact nutrient absorption and growth—as well as thyroid issues, both of which came back negative. The most likely explanation appears to be genetic, as Crawford herself stands at 5 feet, 2 inches, which she describes as “small” for an adult woman. A minor iron deficiency was the only abnormality found in Violet’s medical tests, but otherwise, she’s been given a clean bill of health by medical professionals.

What makes Violet’s story particularly heartwarming is how her vibrant personality contrasts with her small physical presence. Crawford’s TikTok caption captures this beautifully: “She might be tiny, but her personality makes up for it. We’re in the negative percentiles now, but she’s as healthy as can be.” Although Violet occasionally faces disappointment when she’s not tall enough for amusement park rides that her same-aged peers can enjoy, she generally takes her size in stride. Crawford shared a touching anecdote about Violet’s first week of preschool, when she came home excited about playing with the “big kids.” Upon further questioning, Crawford realized her daughter was simply referring to her classmates, who were all her age but appeared older to Violet because of their height difference. Far from being self-conscious, Violet embraces who she is—a girly girl who loves singing, talking, and demonstrating intelligence beyond her years, which only adds to people’s surprise when they see her petite frame.

The viral TikTok post struck a chord with many parents facing similar situations with their children, creating a spontaneous support community in the comments section. “Same as my daughter. After years of appointments we got the diagnosis growth hormone deficiency,” shared one mother, offering both solidarity and a potential avenue for others to explore. Another parent expressed relief at seeing representation: “I’m so glad to see other tiny kids. My 5-year-old son is in the negative percentile and had everything tested except growth hormone. He’s healthy, just small.” These comments highlight the emotional journey many families experience when their children don’t fit typical growth patterns, even when medically there’s nothing concerning. Some commenters offered hopeful perspectives from the other side of childhood, like the person who shared: “My brother is a year older than me and I was taller than him 90 percent of my childhood. He hit puberty and now he’s 6’4. He literally was one of the smallest kids growing up and he outgrew EVERYBODY.”

This story of two sisters whose sizes challenge expectations serves as a gentle reminder of the vast spectrum of normal human development. While medical science provides us with growth charts and percentiles, these are guidelines rather than rigid rules. As experts from Yale Medicine point out, short stature can stem from numerous causes—sometimes medical conditions, but often simply genetic factors or developmental timing. For the Crawford family, the viral attention has opened up conversations about growth, acceptance, and the beauty of individual differences. Violet continues to thrive in her own way, proving that one’s physical stature bears little relation to the size of one’s spirit, intelligence, or capacity for joy. Meanwhile, baby Sommer develops along her own path, part of a family story that now resonates with millions of viewers who see in these sisters a touching reminder of humanity’s beautiful diversity.