Childhood Friendships

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It hit me today. I've been getting annoyed and frustrated when I hear "will you play with me?" all day long. Not "watch me play." Or "stay in the room with me." But actually get in my world and play with me. We've worked really hard on teaching independent play. It's important for all the developmental goodness happening inside them. Play is the work of a child. We're here to support them and help them problem solve but it's not the same as playing by themselves. And it's definitely not the same as playing with peers. I don't genuinely enjoy digging in dirt or pretending I'm a ninja. That's why I provide them will all kinds of outlets to play with other kids. I'm not 4!



But guess what? He's probably tired of playing with me too. He misses his friends. And I miss them for him. I don't have the right ideas or make the right noises. I don't put the animals in the right spot or create the ultimate buildings. I'm apparently not a convincing Ninja or lego engineer. Like I said, I'm not 4. Little sister Hannah is almost 18 months and while her presence is beautiful, she's not always adequate playmate material. 

These early years are ALL about social and emotional health. It's why we chose the amazing preschool we did. We've lost 4 months with them. Our plan was to go through July (right before we move.) I won't go down the rabbit hole of moving away without proper goodbyes. Our city will pretty much be on lock down until July, at least. 

So I'm just going to be over here mourning the loss of childhood friendships. I tell Jacob it's ok to be sad and it is. He has his sister. They have each other and we have them. This is the most time Hannah will ever get to spend with her big brother so there is a big gift in all of this. 

There will be play dates again. We will get to go to museums and swimming pools. We'll get ice cream and haircuts again. Oh please let us get haircuts again. We'll go to school together and share markers and books. We'll give hugs. One day. 

Thank goodness children are so resilient. They will remember this but they will be better for it.




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