A parent who usually arrives at the very beginning or end of the day, when only a few children are here, arrived mid-morning today. She expressed a sense of awe and gratitude for the wonder of toddler friendships, seeing first-hand how happy her little one and his friends are to be at school together. A classmate had warmly welcomed her child, sharing a cookie cutter to play with play-dough. Her son was delighted with his welcome, and exclaimed that his friend had shared with him. (Something the toddlers have been working on…and on…and on…)
She and I talked for a minute about how every day is filled with beautiful moments like these. Don’t get me wrong — there are plenty of times when nobody wants to share a toy, when there’s yelling and hitting and once in a while even biting over a toy. ‘Cause that what two-year-olds do. (And three-year-olds, and four-year-olds…) But they also giggle with each other over a book, wave hello and goodbye with huge smiles, and say “That’s okay” when a friend says “I’m sorry”.
It’s easy to take for granted all the thousand little things that happen in a magical way every day in the life of a child. Especially the day after Halloween when everyone is a bit on the tired side and there’s stress from a late-night storm and power outages and road closures. How lovely this morning, to share a moment of gratitude for our awesome, loving kiddos and teachers with one of our awesome, loving parents.
PS The child who received such a nice welcome this morning paid it forward this afternoon — he welcomed a visiting new friend into his class! Cuteness all over the place.