Social Desires...

We are coming to that stage in life where Regan is starting to want to make friends. One of the neighbor girls, Madeline, is 5 1/2 and is the object of Regan's desires for a friendship. We go over to Madeline's house periodically and the girls sort of play together outside.

Earlier in the summer, Regan would ask several times a day to go and see Madeline. She hasn't asked for a while, probably because we have been busy. A few days ago, she started asking again. Between nap times and mealtimes, it seems hard to find a good time to go over there. Tonight, we finally made our way to Madeline's. I think the neighbors could probably hear Regan's delight when I suggested we go.

It is interesting to watch the dynamics of the girls when we do go there. Usually Madeline is not alone. There are lots of girls in the culdesac by her house. They range in age from 4-8 years old. Regan is not usually at a loss for words, but when she gets around those girls, she can actually be reserved. It is strange to watch her not rambling on aimlessly!

Tonight, there were lots of kids out playing. A couple of teenagers were organizing games of hide and seek, duck duck goose and playing sidewalk chalk. All things that Regan loves, but not tonight. She wouldn't jump in and play and wanted me to come over with her.

It's hard to say what goes on in that little head, but my guess would be that she can sense being a little bit of an outsider. These kids see each other all the time and have grown up together over the last couple of years.

It's difficult, as a parent, to watch and wonder if your child is going to fit in or be accepted. You want for them to have a friend come over, take them by the hand and draw them into the group. Regan did finally do sidewalk chalk, but was never really drawn into the group.

Once most of the kids left and only Skylar and her mom remained, Regan finally came out of her shell. Skylar is kind of shy, but her and Regan had a ball just laughing and being silly together.

I pray that Regan can find some close, Godly girlfriends to grow up with. I know that friendships are work and the people you are close to can hurt you the most, but I have learned, as an adult, the value of a good friendship. I pray that Regan doesn't have to wait so long for that to happen.