JT occasionally comes with me to the coffee shop but only on the days I don’t expect to get much work done.  Today I’m trying to have him look through some children’s books while I write.  It hasn’t really worked so far. 

He has found another little boy to play with and at this moment they’re pocking each others’ belly buttons-- really.  Imagine me trying to do that with someone I just met.  Ok, better you don’t imagine. 

This got me thinking about how easily some children socialize.  In oder to think a little harder I ordered my usual Mexican Mocha (deliciously spicy).  I jokingly said to the owner,

“Forget the whipped cream.  If my son gets a whiff of caffeine he’ll blow the roof of the place.”

He solved the problem by giving JT a cup of whipped cream and a spoon.  (Don’t tell Mami).  Just the thought of JT on caffeine makes me want to sit down. Wait, I am sitting.  See what the thought does to me?

Back to my point.  I am amazed at how easy it is for little kids to make friends.  Well, maybe not all kids but many, especially at the younger ages.  When we are out in public JT seems to zoom in on other 2 year olds.  His radar starts to register, “Possible playmate, Possible Playmate,” and before we know it he’s walking in the direction of the identified toddler.  There seems to be an expectation that, “Well, you’re a kid, let’s play.”  It gets a little more complicated as we get older.

My oldest son, Q is dealing with friendship at a different level.  He’s making his way through the intricacies of the preschool social network. 

This morning he said to me, “Scooter keeps telling me I have to be only his friend and he’s not letting me have other friends.”  (Names have been changed to protect the bossy but innocent). 

I could feel my parenting engine kicking into overdrive. 

“Scooter is not your boss,” I said.  “You tell him that you’re going to play with other friends, too.” 

Oh yeah, I could feel the wisdom flowing through me.  Developing friendships is a learned art and even as adults the way we make and keep friends is constantly changing.

Speaking of socializing, I just checked my facebook account a little while ago and started wondering what social media might look like if every preschooler had a Facebook or twitter account.  It might look something like this:

---------------------------------

Q’s Status

Q: Had a great time at my birthday party.  Thanks for coming.  JT’s b-day is next month. Everybody is invited.  Bring your brothers and sister and friends.  I’ll tell Mami and Papi that I said it’s Ok

33 minutes ago

Scooter commented on your post

Scooter: Hey Q, I saw your friends list.  Can’t believe you’re friends with Joey.  He always posts those stupid Baby Einstein quotes.  He’s such a toddler.  Don’t be friends with him.

27 minutes ago

JT sent you an invite

JT: Everybody come to my birthday.  I like Captain Hook

18 minutes ago

Q commented on his own wall

Q: @ Scooter.  Papi said I can be friends with anyone I want.  You’re not my boss and I’m going to tell Ms. Teacher you wrote “stupid” on my wall.  I’m going to unfriend u.

15 minutes ago

JT commented on your post

JT: @Scooter. Don’t fight with my brother!!!  

14 minutes ago

Patty wrote on Q’s wall

Patty: Q, please don’t unfriend Scooter.  It will hurt his feelings.  It can also hurt his self-esteem, whatever self-esteem is.  I heard it on Sesame Street.  Everybody should be friends with everybody.

10 minutes ago

Q commented on his own wall-

Q: “I meant what I said and I said what I meant.”--Dr. Seuss.  @Patty, I hear what you’re saying but Scooter is a big poopy head.

8 minutes ago

JT commented on Q's wall

JT: He is a poopy head.   I got your back bro.  Speaking of poop, I’m having a real poopy day.  Thought I had this potty training thing down.

7 minutes ago-12 people like this