Over the last year I have observed the budding friendship between my little man and this lovely little lady. It has been interesting to sit back and watch as the two of them have grown closer, figured out the ins and outs of friendship, and formed a bond, one that is much stronger than I realized.
Reece has not seen his friend since mid July. She has been coming to our home once a week since last September, and in January that was bumped up to twice a week, and we also share time in nature with her family on a regular basis. I was not prepared for how much he would miss her. He asked constantly when she would be coming back, and when he would see her again. It was sweet, and made me realize just how much this friendship means to him.
She returned from her vacation on Tuesday, and Reece and I picked her up yesterday for a little nature adventure. To say he was a little excited when he woke up was an understatement. We spent the morning in the woods, and then hit the library before dropping her home. Watching them connect again, walking along the path chatting and laughing, feeding chipmunks, chickadees and woodpeckers, and climbing trees together made this mama's heart melt.
These two little souls get along very well together, and seem to really care about each other. I feel very lucky to be able to watch it all unfold...it feels like little bits of magic in my days.
Beautiful xxoo
ReplyDeleteIt really is Julie, and I am so lucky to get to watch it all. xo
DeleteI'm so happy he gets that... many people imagine home school kids alone in a room, anti social and awkward. Such a shame. He seems like such an attentive little man. I'm happy he's forming such healthy bonds!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...funny you should say that. That is the image many people have of homeschooled kids, but in reality, we have yet to meet any homsechool families that actually lock their kids in a room without any interaction :) In fact, the families we connect with are wonderful, and understand the need for connection with other children, and adults.
DeleteExactly... one of the things that is scaring me about homeschooling here is that stigma. I've read horrible stories of Quebec families that had child protection services called on them because they were homeschooling and people in their area thought the kids were being abused! Don't get me wrong, it's not the ONLY thing that has made us decide t not homeschool, but those stories (and there are quite a few) didn't make it easier when wrestling with the decision! I,m glad you are so well surrounded. So important to have that sense of community.
DeleteThere are lots of stories like that, even with children that go to school. I think we just need to live with intention, following our beliefs, and not worry too much about the stigmas, or even what others think. Carve our own paths, and enjoy the journey.
DeleteThose pictures are priceless. I enjoy watching my own children form those connections with their little friends. It is beautiful and natural, and yes, this mama loves it too!
ReplyDeleteI think homeschooling provides the perfect medium for social development. Children need adult-led and adult-modeled social skills. In "normal" schools, they take their cues from... kids. So now our kids learn how to be social from other kids. Other kids who lack a) the desire to nuture, b) the willingness to sacrifice for the growth of others or c) the ability to provide unconditional love and acceptance. If you ask me, it's our current system that is a little backwards. *sigh*
Very well said!
DeleteThank you Alexa. Seeing them together yesterday was so very sweet. And Reece has not stopped asking when he will see her again.
DeleteI am with you on that, and it really is what Waldorf is all about in the early years...learning through imitation. It is, according to Steiner, how children learn in the first seven years. And providing that adult or adults to imitate is very important.
And I totally agree, our current system is very backwards, in more than just this issue.
How utterly wonderful that he has found a little kindred spirit! Friends really are so important for little people and big ones too. Those are wonderful pictures, amazing that they where able to get that close to the little woodpecker! They must be very patient children. :-)
ReplyDeleteKindred spirits they certainly are. It makes me so happy that he has developed this connection.
DeleteThere were two woodpeckers who were very friendly yesterday. It was wonderful. They are very patient, and quiet :)
Oh my goodness this is so sweet. I remember the friendships I had as a kid. True bonds are created and some of those are never broken. Looks like your little guy has the blossoming of one of those kinds of friendships. So special.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it was super sweet. I have a feeling this friendship will last the test of time :)
DeleteSo sweet Kim, your homeschooling is not allowed over here in Sweden, where my kids started school, but I think it is a wonderful thing and I agree that children do not need too many kids everyday around them to "raise" them but connections like this are precious experiences for childrens development. As I work as a preeschoolteacher my goal is to create "a home away from home" for my little people, that I am guiding thru the most important part of their life 2-3 year olds.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karin-Ida.
Delete"Home away from home" that is wonderful, and I bet the little ones who are lucky enough to be in your class enjoy their time with you. xo
Lovely that he's found such a good friend. I remember reading somewhere that home schooled children might not have the multitude of friends that some at school might have, but are far more likely to form deeper, more meaningful friendships that will last into later life because they get to spend real quality time with other children.
ReplyDeleteIt feels wonderful Sally, in so many ways, to know he is able to connect to her in this way.
DeleteI have read that too. And it makes total sense. I mean if you get to spend quality time with a few of your friends on a consistent basis, in an environment that you are very comfortable in, and the normal pressures of "socialization in school" are not there, you have the opportunity to really connect and form bonds that are much deeper.
My girls have yet to really have their own friends. But I can see it coming and I can't wait. It's so wonderful that Reece has a close friend he can explore the world with.
ReplyDeleteIt will come soon KC. When it does, enjoy the magic of it all. It is pretty special.
Deletethat is quite a bond !! i'm sure she missed him just as much... the pictures are beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteShe did. She actually had her mom text me once to say how much she missed him, and us. That was super sweet.
DeleteThank you.
Everyone needs a special friend and I'm glad Reece has one that is so special to him.
ReplyDeleteEmerson has a special friend too, his name is Nathan, and I know how much she loves spending time with him.
I love the top photo, it looks like it could have been taken here.
So very true Tracey.
DeleteThank you, it is amazing how similar our landscapes can be, and at other times, so very different :) Our world is pretty darn amazing!
I'm glad that Reece has a friend and they look so cute together walking into the woods and over a bridge.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen.
DeleteThis is just too precious!
ReplyDeleteI agree there is something simply wonderful about watching your child form friendships.
Again interested in the conversation about home-schooled kids vs mainstream schooled kids.
Really happy for Reece and you. xx
Thanks Chrisy, it is really lovely to watch.
DeleteThat is so sweet. I love watching my kiddos friendships form and grow, and seeing how they change over the years. Glad Reece has his buddy back!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty amazing to watch :)
Deletethis is so sweet, kim :) i remember the day you talked about this on one of our gratitude lists :) what a blessing to watch it all unfold :) i wonder when bea will start to make friends?
ReplyDeleteThanks Renee. It is wonderful to see it all unfold, and watch them grow closer. It won't be long now my friend. xo
DeleteThat first picture is just gorgeous! What a sweet friendship you have captured in these pictures! What a joy it must be to behold these two together! xo
ReplyDeleteThanks Shel. It is just wonderful to see them together. They really do care about each other. xo
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