Siddharth has got the soccer fever, of late. Every evening, he takes his football and goes out to find boys to play with. There are 3 groups of boys who play football in our community. Two are groups of older boys and one group is his age group. For some reason, for the past week he was playing with an older group of boys (age group 11 onwards); he is 8. He was enjoying the game and used to come home excited. Just a little background, Siddharth cries easily if teased or bullied around. He is working very hard towards being tougher when around other boys.
Anyway, yesterday, he came and said that he has changed the group of boys he used to play with. He said that one of the older boys told him that they only play with him because he owns a football. To which he replied that he does not need to play with them, he will go play with his other friends. He also carefully hid his hurt and did not cry. Another boy jeered that very soon he will start crying or call his mother. He bravely replied that he will do neither of the things, and he does not need to play with such mean boys.
He went ahead and sought the other group of boys of his age. He was pleasantly surprised because he enjoyed playing with them. And having the experience of playing with older boys for so many days, his game was so much better. So, automatically he was “respected.”
I was touched by his confidence, and his ability to hold his head high. We both felt really proud of him that he had taken a small step towards learning how to cope in this big, bad world where crying does not take you anywhere. He also understands that talent and humility can take you far. This is something I have been telling him for a very long time. But, as they say, experiences are the best teachers.
I also love his openness in communicating with me. That he is able to share something which is hurtful and unpleasant so easily cements the friendship both of us share.
Kids can be mean sometimes.
Way to go Siddarth :-))))
Maturity – a step with daily life walks. I personally find maturity existing but too early to say.
The best thing I liked about this episode is the effort from Siddarth to overcome the issues and move on with courage… its really great that he discusses all these things with you.. that’s what real parenting is all about… 🙂
That was smart strategic move by Siddharth, happy about him!!
Hmmm, so Siddharth is growing up!!
Sweet post
manhood approaching 🙂
Hi Rachna, you got a very good boy there….as boys not that keen to ‘communicate’ with moms, ha ha. Girls do….
What he is reflects on you, a very good mother….
And one good mother is worth a hundred teachers.
When he grows up, he will loves his sweetheart the most, his wife the best, but his mother the longest.
And very often we see soldiers in harms way being interviewed on TV and given few seconds say few words, the first thing they say?
“Hi Mom…”!
Best regards, Lee.
@Agnes Yes, we all know that too well. It is part of life; I am sure he is also mean to other kids when angry.
@Hobo exactly!
@Jaanvi Yes, Jaanvi. He does have a difficulty in controlling his tears, and oftentimes that is used against him. I just hope that with experience, he would learn to manage that. I can see that understanding in him now.
@Suffix Thank you. To tell you the truth, I was a little surprised that he could handle it this way independently.
@Bhagyashree Thanks! Oh yes, he is surely growing up 🙂
@tangy Don’t know about that :). boys know what makes men out of them.
@Uncle Lee You are so right! I know how men tend to be a little reclusive and especially when it comes to emotional things. And, you are the sweetest! You just know how to say things, which could bring a smile on any woman’s/mother’s face.
You really understand people and their traits so well. Have a great Sunday!
wow so nice…do keep writing parenting styles..wll be v helpful for me.. vani
wow so nice…do keep writing parenting styles..wll be v helpful for me.. vani
Thanks Vani. I understand what you are saying. I also take lots of inputs from others in a similar boat. For eg. moms of two sons or moms in general. There is a friend of mind who has two sons much older than mine, and the experiences she shares with me teach me so much more about how to deal with my own kids. Thanks for my blogger friends too.
The kid is own the way to manhood 😉
And congrats to you too… does he rad this btw?
Nowadays we rarely see kids playing with the neighborhood. keep encouraging him!!
Thank you, Jon. And, no he normally does not read my blog posts, but this one I made him read.
Now he is a grown up man who can handle things own his own. 🙂
Mother should not worry now. 😀
What a lovely young man indeed! He was so grown-up to handle the situation as he did! You are instilling so many wonderful traits in your sons, and it shows.
rachna ji..blog is a blessing of course..otherwise i d not have come across and good friend like u.right?
rachna ji..blog is a blessing of course..otherwise i d not have come across and good friend like u.right?
rachna ji..blog is a blessing of course..otherwise i d not have come across and good friend like u.right?
@Chandrika I wonder if that ‘not worry’ bit will ever happen. Even when he has his own kids 🙂
@Cheryl Thank you for your warm words and support always.
@Ramesh Rameshji, you are so right :). It is so strange to be called Rachnaji!
That’s why we don’t want kids to remain at home and play computer games all the time … playing an outdoor group game, can bring home so many lessons otherwise we can just lecture about…
Way to go Siddarth and way to go Rachna, for building that bond and inspiring
thank you pinashpinash for visiting my blog and for your encouraging comment.
🙂 Moma’s son!!!
🙂 He is now getting matured!!
@Bhupesh 🙂
Indeed, for someone so small he already has a mind of great people. I also wish I had more open communication with my parents at that age 🙁
@David I wish the same. I wasn’t very communicative with my parents when young, but with my elder sister I shared a great relationship. In many ways, Siddharth and I react similarly. So, it is easy for me to understand where he is coming from.