He Just Saw Friend

Little man is an only child; however, he gets plenty of interaction with other children daily - his cousins, at the playground, at the pool - or so I thought.

Jackson plays alongside the other kids great but if they approach him he gets the deer-in-the-headlights look. He doesn't react, just simply stops and watches them. He has even let another kid take his toy and walk away. It doesn't add up with his bossy demanding strong personality at home.

I wonder when he runs into my arms or hides his face in my leg if it is my fault. Do I baby him too much? Is he too dependent on me? Should I encourage him to play more?

The other day we were sitting in the courtyard on a blanket. Jackson was building blocks and reading a few chapters in a book, trying to soak up some sun. The neighbors, whom we never see come outside, let their kids out to play. The beautiful, Indian girls could hardly speak English but they eventually made their way over to where we were sitting. I encouraged them to play with the extra blocks; it seems like they don't typically get much play time.

I sat close to little man while he watched the girls - one hardly older than he.

With one outstretched hand, he surprised me.

Jackson handed the girl a block and happily helped them build a tower. I was amazed to see him interact and not act frightened. Maybe it was because the girls were fairly quiet themselves? Maybe he knew they wanted a friend so badly?

He didn't see color. Or language barrier. Or gender. He just saw friend.