Acts of Kindness

 In preparing Aid for the playground at school we had lots of talks about playground social etiquette.  How to ask someone to play.  How to make sure it's not just your game you always want to play.  How to walk away from fights if possible (this one came up earlier then I thought it would). And how to try to include people that don't have anyone to play with.  I have to admit that this last one had two purposes.  One, that I obviously want my children to be people who care about other people's feelings.  But two, I am always worried about the friend situation.  I figured that if he turned out to be the one on the playground that no one was playing with then he could perhaps find another kid that no one was playing with and then he wouldn't be alone.  And if my years have taught me anything it's that one good friend is worth a thousand not so good ones.

Tonight before bed Aid told me he had something to tell me.  I braced myself.  (I think this will be my immediate response every time I hear these words.)

"Mom, today I saw a kid on the playground that wasn't playing with anybody.  He looked sad.  He's in another kindergarten class.  I think he's five because he's smaller then me.  So I did what you told me to do.  I asked him if he wanted to play with me and my friends."

(Me tearing up.) "What did he say?"

"He said no.  But he looked sad."

So we talked about asking him again, because maybe he wasn't sure if you meant it....or maybe he's shy. Or maybe he didn't understand what game you were playing, etc.

"Ok mama. Everyone needs a friend. Even a little guy littler then me."

(Me still tearing up)

"That's right buddy. Everyone needs a friend."

Amongst all the things that I am doing wrong, clearly some things are also going very right.