We went to visit friends today, because they had asked us to pick up a couple gifts for Drew. And it's been TOO LONG since we visited them, by far - as always, the visit was wonderful.
The gifts? A toddler-sized couch, an alphabet floor puzzle, and a miniature (toddler to small kid) sized bike-pedal car.
The best part? Probably the kids, actually. We arrived after Drew's nap should have started (just) and stayed for an hour and a half or so, so he was in the hyper not-sleeping phase. Also present were their kids, the youngest of whom is a 10-year-old boy. He and Drew were rough-housing happily.
Almost a year ago, someone was surprised that I wasn't bothered when their two-year-old was playing with Drew, that Drew might get knocked down. I pointed out that he wasn't intimidated, wasn't hurt, wasn't upset, and was just fine.
Today, I watched him tackle a ten-year-old. Fairly effectively, although yes, the ten-year-old was using only tactics that he could apply without potentially injuring Drew, which is a good thing. We had to pull Drew off him at one point (Drew had a stranglehold on him), and he (the ten-year-old, not Drew!) got a slight split lip at a different point in the wrestling.
Rough-housing: not something my kiddo gets to do as often as he'd apparently like. So, my concern level about him playing with kids his own age? As long as no one is hurt, I'm really not worried that it's gonna upset Drew. Heck, I'm not sure someone getting hurt would upset him, but I do draw the line there myself.
And it was lovely to see M&J again and talk with them, as well.
The gifts? A toddler-sized couch, an alphabet floor puzzle, and a miniature (toddler to small kid) sized bike-pedal car.
The best part? Probably the kids, actually. We arrived after Drew's nap should have started (just) and stayed for an hour and a half or so, so he was in the hyper not-sleeping phase. Also present were their kids, the youngest of whom is a 10-year-old boy. He and Drew were rough-housing happily.
Almost a year ago, someone was surprised that I wasn't bothered when their two-year-old was playing with Drew, that Drew might get knocked down. I pointed out that he wasn't intimidated, wasn't hurt, wasn't upset, and was just fine.
Today, I watched him tackle a ten-year-old. Fairly effectively, although yes, the ten-year-old was using only tactics that he could apply without potentially injuring Drew, which is a good thing. We had to pull Drew off him at one point (Drew had a stranglehold on him), and he (the ten-year-old, not Drew!) got a slight split lip at a different point in the wrestling.
Rough-housing: not something my kiddo gets to do as often as he'd apparently like. So, my concern level about him playing with kids his own age? As long as no one is hurt, I'm really not worried that it's gonna upset Drew. Heck, I'm not sure someone getting hurt would upset him, but I do draw the line there myself.
And it was lovely to see M&J again and talk with them, as well.
no subject
I have had people wonder the same thing about Mikalya when she plays with older, bigger kids. She's a hyper fountain of energy, and if those kids can wear her out? More power to them! She's been knocked down, fallen over, etc... and happily gets back up and keeps on going without a problem. And when she does get hurt? She usually comes over to an adult, asks them to kiss it, then goes back off again! :P
no subject
At one point he tumbled and was righting himself and almost hit his head on the stonework around the fireplace. "Careful!" said three adults (me included). I added "Careful head!" as if you tell him what to watch for, he generally does quite well at it. After, J told him that he should be careful, hitting his head on that would be very owwie.
He promptly leaned over and carefully tapped his head on it, just hard enough to feel. Made a face like he wanted to cry but wasn't sure he ought to, then started. I came over and gave him a hug and a kiss, and he went back to playing. And was careful of the stone around the fireplace thereafter. :P
It was so funny to watch everyone's reactions. I'm guessing J's kids were never quite that...prone to test out the advice...but honestly, while he usually listens without testing, I wasn't entirely surprised either. And it's not like he slammed his head into it or anything.