Growing Up and Making Friends

All mothers know that toddlers don't play together. They're not interested in each other and human beings, and they quickly recognize that other toddlers can't get them food, pick them up and comfort them, or fix things when they break. They also recognize that other toddlers take THEIR toys.

I started hostng and attending playgroups with Luke when he was about a year old. Playgroups typically involved a lot of mediating and trying to convince Luke not to rip toys from all his "friends" hands, or not to shove them off the ride on toys. Every playgroup involved tears and tantrums, and I was often left wondering if I had birthed an antisocial demon.

This past weekend, Luke spent Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday around children he knows. They weren't all playgroups, but in effect, it was all social practice for Luke. And on Monday morning, when I was exhausted and ready to vegetate in a silent room, Luke had the best day of the weekend. He grinned from ear to ear when his friends showed up and shared tremendously well for an 18 month old. It was a moment that I could look at and see how he had changed and grown. And when his last friend left, he was completely heartbroken to see her go.

My little ankle biter has feelings and likes people! Maybe he won't be shooting people from the clock tower after all...