The Beginning

Avery went to a gymboree-like class today at the YMCA. She will be going two to three times a week for some fun. She had so much fun and was sooo sad to leave when it was over. I sat in and watched today since it was the first one. Avery has been out of preschool since June and has the occasional playdate, Mops, and church to play with other kids, but she is still learning how to be social and play with others. I would like to think I am not one of those moms that freaks out when her kid gets pushed or hurt by another kid, but a small bit of that came out in me today. Avery was so excited to be there and be jumping around that she got a little impatient and would put her hands on the other kids in front of her, not to push, but so that she could squeeze on by and she would also cut in front of other kids who were waiting in line. This was her first time so I pulled her aside a couple of times to tell her to wait her turn and be patient. BUT there was this one girl who was not happy with Avery. She kept glaring at her and putting her hands out in front of Avery to get her to wait and slow down. I watched the first few times to see how she would handle it. She just moved back and waited, but again would soon forget and run ahead for another turn. Finally the girl started to push Avery back a bit so I stepped in. I reminded Avery to wait and politely told the girl it was Avery's first time and she was just learning. The little girl, remember she was probably 3-4 yrs old, glared at me and huffed with anger. I was so annoyed and wanted to give the girl a piece of my mind, but I resisted. (I was the bigger person :) The class was soon over so I did not have to deal with it again. I did not know what the best thing was to do. Let it go and let them work it out? Let the teacher and helper, who were overwhelmed because one was out sick, deal with the issue, or continue to step in and be the peacemaker. I know she will get it after a few times and the more exposure she has to playing with other kids will teach her the "rules of fair play", but I had a glimpse into the future as she begins to have to deal with friends and school. I could imagine her running up to me after school and complaining about a friend who pushed her or called her a name or how much she loves/hates her best friend that day; A vision of her teacher telling me how Avery hit and yelled at another kid floated in my mind as well. Yes, this is just the beginning of fun things to come our way.