Friendship

We are hitting the age where Parker's peers are forming friendships and speaking their opinions- which is an interesting, emotional time for all parents, I think.  This week, we have run the spectrum in what we overhear and notice as parents. Matt had an encounter today where a child next to Parker told her mom, "I don't like him!" right in front of Matt, and the mom did nothing to help her navigate that opinion.  That hurts, knowing that your child, who doesn't understand and can't defend himself, is treated that way.

But on the flip side, I have a story to share. There is a little girl in Parker's class who ADORES him.  She notices him. She protects him. She makes sure he is cared for.  She even defends him when the teachers hold him to high expectations that he doesn't like :). For Valentine's Day, she made him a beautiful card. But even more, she knows him so well that she included a roll of streamers because he loves crinkling paper (and her parents let her!).  Her family is always kind to us, and nurtures her bond with him.

Our kids learn empathy and kindness from US. The grown ups. Keep that in mind, even in the hard moments when your child makes an embarrassing comment in front of another family. This week, I cherish the fact that Parker has a true friend.  It seems like it should be a given for a child, but in our world, it is a luxury.