Big discoveries and small triumphs

The big one for the week is the new Jacob Ballas Children's Park at the Botanic Gardens. What a great play place for kids aged 0-13. We went for the second time today. I fetched the kids from school, right in time to see C in prime soccer play. I also had the chance to touch base with the mom of K's best friend at school, which was really nice. We packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches - before you misunderstand, I mean two separate sandwiches, one peanut butter for C who eschews the classic combination and jelly solo for K who, believe it or not, does not like peanut butter, not even in chocolate. We went into the maze, into the sandbox playground and up into the tree house. We also did the bridge and the life-size nature puzzles. I must admit the kids are a little older for this park which I would say is perfect for ages 3-6, but they love it just the same. The other nice thing is right across the way is our track - so from there, we can quite easily go for a run or shoot some hoops for so long as we remember to bring the ball.

The small triumph is that my advice to C paid off. He's been going through tough times at school, much of it, it seems to me, is due to his intense desire to be liked by his peers. The result is he tries too hard and likely puts them off. It is something I understand and recognise all too well; it doesn't take much for me to flash myself back to third grade which was a constant tug-of-war of gal pals. I told him to change his tack - to withdraw and try out the people he doesn't know that well or even people he doesn't think he likes. I suggested he try going on his own more so he will discover that he enjoys his own company. I told him that when others see that he enjoys his own company, they will start seeking it - because he is fun to be with.

"You think that will work?" He asked, doubtful.

I told him to try it and see. And what do you know...it did. When he came over to me this afternoon, there was a little fellow was tagging after him who piped up to me, "C played a really good game! Good game C! I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" My son said, "See you tomorrow," and then grinned at me.

I am letting myself feel pretty good about that.