Friday, November 14, 2008

fair play

picture this:
a young girl, maybe 2
at the park
or the mall play area
waiting her turn
patiently
a child steps in front
of her, crowds her
she would oblige them
too nice or shy to speak up
i remember hubs and i
talking about how
to get her to stand up for herself
but not be mean
not be a bully
sometimes a fine line
i remember encouraging her
and feeling so happy for her
when we saw her stand up for herself
picture this:
she is 6
she stands up for herself
she might still be a little shy
but she is shy with a backbone!

Picture this:
a young boy, a firm 4 years old
rambunctious
rough and tumble
like all things active
does not initiate
but will definitely defend himself
likes his personal space
appreciates fairness
he joins a new preschool class
problems arise
that were not there in previous class
using hands
playing rough
being a boy
we rewarded good hands
praised playing nicely
so proud of him
and he so proud of himself
then, one day
jockeying for a ball
he gets bitten
on the face
by a child
whose name comes up often
as a source of conflict
picture this:
the same 4 year old
questioning why
his friend would do that
we talk about right and wrong
what a 'friend' is and is not
he still calls him his friend
more forgiving than i

may the speed bumps in the early years
prepare them with the confidence to climb the mountain later in life

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bless his heart,what a sweet boy!

cornnut32 said...

i love your writing style. it's just beautiful!

Lilly said...

You said it and you know in some ways the more speed bumps we let them have and get over on their own the more responsible and caring adults they will be. Sounds like you and your husband are doing a terrif job.

The hardest part for a parent is standing on the sidelines and not running to do things for them. Such a well written post and how great will it be when your children get to see this in years to come.

Jennifer P. said...

Sooooo hard to see our kids have to "toughen up" and learn that, sadly, there will always be face biters in the world masquerading as friends!

Just wanted to stop in and give you a big THANKS for being a blog follower! I appreciate it more than I can say!

Jaden Paige said...

Your children are both growing up to be great people, I can tell :)

I agree, I love your writing style!! The short and sweet is so refreshing... Have a great day!

Finding Normal said...

It's hard watching the growing pains, isn't it?

Heather said...

Beautiful!!

Kori said...

Awww those are some pretty sweet kiddos you got there. Beautifully written.

We so ROCKED some Monday Madness!

Melissa said...

First time here....Just wanted to say that you have a beautiful blog. I'll be sure to come back and visit again.