Playdates & friends

Lara had two playdates this week, her first with little girls from daycare.

Annie came over after ballet on Monday. Annie's 5 days younger than Lara, her little brother is two months older than Sam and they only live a few blocks away. They even have a black dog like Zeb. The two little girls played fluttery fairies and dress-ups and had a great time. The two little boys got fed and giggled a bit.

Abigail & Lucinda came for a play this afternoon. Abigail and Lucinda are sisters, Lara's 8 months younger than Abigail but 8 months older than Lucinda. There were more 'incidents' this time. There was a grazed knee, crying from all three girls (not at the same time!), and a thunder storm (Abby and Lucinda's Mum had to rush out to get my washing in). Three playing together seemed to have a different dynamics than two.

There is also a first birthday invitation from daycare this week. When asked if she and Lachie are friends (just a lazy Mom thinking if they don't play together, we can save a trip), Lara said "Sometimes".

Talking about friends, Lara came home one day and announced Matilda (her previous best friend) was not her friend anymore. We thought Lara didn't want to play with her because Matilda played with someone else until I talked to Matilda's Mum. Apparently, Matilda thought she could only have one friend and she is obsessed with Sean so when Sean is there Matilda doesn't want to play with Lara. They told me Lara was quiet when Sean was around. Kids are funny aren't they?

I didn't realise Lara would experience this kind of friendship situation so early in life! All we can do as parents, is continue to encourage Lara to have many friends. Undoubtedly, there will be more complex friendship dilemmas later in life. The friendship lessons are ones we learn all our lives!