It’s a bittersweet day as my daughter wraps up kindergarten. Maybe I’ll start jotting down notes as “First Grade Files” or something more long-term like “Small Talk, Big Thoughts” and “Kidversations”?
Anyway, very recently, my daughter’s friends she’s been inseparable with since the beginning of the school year have stopped wanting to play with her during recesses and she doesn’t understand what’s changed. It’s hard to navigate because I mean… they’re kindergartners. As a parent, you can suggest that she goes and makes new friends or plays with others, but even those bonds are also hard to form at the end of the school year. You feel crushed.
We’ve been having conversations on inclusion lately and how she’s feeling. The other day she brought up the “Buddy Bench”….
Her: I’m getting used to playing by myself Me: How does that make you feel? Her: Sad, because I can’t play with anybody. I try to find some people to play with, but no one wants to play with me. Oh, I know! I’ll sit on the Buddy Bench on Monday. Me: What's the "Buddy Bench"? Her: It’s a brown bench that says “Buddy Bench." It’s where kind people introduce themselves to you. Me: I think that's a great idea. Her: Alright I’ll do it. Me: I think that the next time you see someone sitting on the buddy bench, you should also go over and introduce yourself, too. Her: Okay!
My heart still hurts and my default is to want to protect her at all costs. I know I am biased, but she is such a sweet child. In any case, school’s out… sun’s out! Happy Summer, everyone!