As a parant you have the privilege of watching your child grow and develop into their own person. Sure Little A is currently in the “terrible 2’s” stage but I think it is so much more than just the temper tantrums – it is also a new stage where they begin to develop relationships with other children.
As a full time working mom I don’t get much time to do a lot of play dates on the weekends. Now so many of my friends with kids have full weekends running to soccer, ballet or swimming on top of grocery shopping, laundry and visiting family.
Lucky us – this past weekend we had a play date with one of Little A’s friends. Isla and Little A have known each other all their lives (hahah cracks me up) but never really did much interacting previously.
In my opinion, early infant play dates are more about mommies getting together to bond and talk about the development of their kids, the lack of sleep etc. Their kids usually play with the toys, only noticing their playmates beside them every once in a while. This is because at that age they can only focus at one thing at a time and out of site really is “out of site, out of mind”.
Battle of the Bounce
The first of many Lunch dates
Sharing Snacks .. but not hanging out yet
But now in they’re 3 (Isla) and 2 1/2 (Little A). They are beginning to co-play it is absolutely entertaining to watch.
When children extend their knowledge and play experiences they move into “Associative Play”. In this stage kids start playing together albeit in a loosey goosey fashion rather than in any organized way.
Little A is learning to play tag. Isla being a bit older knows the game well. We spent a good part of an afternoon together at the park watching these two laugh hysterically as they chased each other all around the playground and took turns being it.
Near the end of our visit us we asked if the girls wanted to give each other hugs. The comedy with these two never ends. They not only hug but they hug with vigour and pizzaz! There is true passion in their friendship. The car ride home was the loudest car ride ever, they were egging each other on on who could say silly words loudest.
An instant hug from Little A
Then came the love reaction from Isla
I do believe these two will have a long friendship and continue to have many laughs for years to come.
Best of Pals for sure
Always Come Back 