How Do You Know When Kids Get Along Well?

18 July 2009 2 Comments

Here’s the true test:

You can sit in the other room and not hear one kid “whining” the other kid’s name. You know the whing I am talking about? Kind of high pitched and about 30 letters long. An example for you: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETHANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN

Hear it once and there is still hope that this will be a pleasant experience. Hear it twice and you perk up a little bit to hear what’s going on. Hear the other kid whine your kid’s name in return and it’s pretty much over. Best pack your things up, collect your kid and go on home. It’s’ not gonna go anywhere good at this point.

And here’s the thing. If you aren’t close friends with the other parents it’s no big deal. But when you ARE very friendly, you’re in a tough spot. Parents (read: Moms) are very sensitive and protective about their little angels. Friendships have been torn apart because of kids. How many of you that are reading this have left a playdate or get together thinking “The other kid is a monster/bully/whimp/difficult/poorly parented/trouble/spoiled/brat/insert your own adjective.”

I’ve got a lot of thoughts on this, but it’s late. In future posts I’ll be able to give you my insight (or lack thereof) on it with examples, because this is a real issue with a few familys we are friends with.

Anyway, enjoy what’s left of your weekend!

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