Monday, February 2, 2009

Children and friendship

I think because my youngest child is twelve I have really been giving a lot of thought to childhood, my children's childhood in particular. Because I have three sons and two daughters I have been lucky enough to experience quite a cross section of childhood.
To me, nothing is sweeter than true friendship among children. When it is unselfish, not self serving. When there is care and concern. 

And, although the genders do it a bit differently... It tugs at my heart when I see a young child offer comfort. I almost become teary when I look at the above pic of Kevin being comforted after losing a 4th of July race. Awwwh!

9 comments:

Susan said...

So sweet...and it's because Kevin is a loyal friend in return.... "doin a good job Mom"!!!

Kim said...

That is so sweet. Sometimes boys are buttheads (okay, more than sometimes) and then they turn around and are so sweet you have to keep them!

J1's best friend was never in the same grade or same school as she was, but they were tight from about 6 years old through high school (they danced together all those years). They had a bit of "distance" both emotionally and literally for a few years, but since her friend graduated from college and moved back home for med school (she went to MIT for undergrad), they've kissed and made up and I'm so happy about it. It made me sad when they were estranged.

Joyce said...

This is so.... sweet! I agree with children they give so openly.

Ina in Alaska said...

I really think today's kids are more in tune or sensitive to others' feelings than in previous generations. That is a very hopeful thing.

Leciawp said...

That is so sweet! You are doing such a good job with them. xo

Formerly known as Frau said...

It is so true! Girls are tougher though....Katelyn's best friend from 2nd grade is starting to pull away. Kate is having to do more work then receiving and it hurts me to see it happen.

Tami said...

Boys can be sweet! Brandon always goes up to the goalie of his hockey team (if a goal gets in) and will tap him on the head, letting him know its okay. It's all in how you raise them! You are doing a great job! :)

Unknown said...

That is a sweet picture, and it is rare to see that lately. (I work in a Junior High.) Even more so with boys. That would tug at my heart too. Looks like you did something right!!!!

preppyplayer said...

Susan- Thank you!
MOTR, It so easy when they are real little, we can set up "playdates" and make sure they are still friends.
I'm glad they reconnected.
Joyce and Ina- I think it is positive and sweet.
Thanks Lecia.
frau, it is hard to stay connected if they are not involved day to day...
Tami, thanks and I love hearing that someone comforts the goalie-I always feel bad for them :)
Ronda- that is so nice.