Saturday, November 15, 2008

the social life of a 6 year old boy

Max is a 6 year old boy.
There is an inherent lack of social skills implied and inferred by that statement.


Max has a cautious Dad, an outgoing Mum, and a sister who will happily take the lead in just about any social situation. He is a quirky kid, with a love of quiet moments, and a passion for the crazy moments.


I was told, early on in this process that he would have a hard time making friends. I watched him with other kids, and can admit to worrying that he would be left out, or maybe picked on. It's no secret that kids can be mean, and what if they didn't like Max?


I should have known better. I should have trusted that the charms of my boy could win over anyone. And that he'd make friends because he's likeable. And smart. And funny.


Kids can be mean, but they can also be incredibly accepting and forgiving. I've seen Max's class interact with him, and he with them. Max is one of them, and as such, what makes him stand out doesn't matter. Max is just Max.

Too bad that 6 year olds understand that better than most grown ups. But that will be another note, another day.

1 comment:

rab said...

There is something very likable about Max - even to those of us he completely ignores! No doubt he will have all the troubles of childhood and, perhaps, a few more. The thing he's got going for him are parents who, though they will make huge mistakes in raising him, will never stop loving him. Ya just can't beat that kind of advantage in life.