Just came back from Megamall Midvalley. My friend N called me this morning and asked if we'd like to go with them to the mall so our babies can play at the activity center. How can I resist? Of course I said yes. Any chance EJ can play and interact with other babies is met with enthusiasm.
The activity center/playground (forgot the exact name) was big and there were many kids playing, running around. Some parents were idly drinking coffee at a coffee shop while their little ones were busy entertaining themselves. I am jealous of them! But of course I still couldn't and wouldn't leave my baby alone to play.
Letting EJ choose where to go, he settled in the toddler's play area. It was packed with toddlers and some older kids which I know they shouldn't be there. Anyway, I was happy because EJ looked excited and happy to be playing/interacting with kids.
When EJ saw the balls inside a "house" he immediately ran and went inside. The place was packed with kids. I didn't want him to go inside yet but he was adamant to go. So I let him be. When he was inside, a little boy pushed him so he can go inside. My heart lurched forward. I grabbed him up and told him to play with some other things but he didn't want to. He wanted to go back inside even if he had just been pushed. N told me to let EJ go. That babies should also learn how to fight for themselves. I let EJ go but I was uncomfortable.
You see, as much as I want EJ to have social interaction with other kids I am also worried about it. In what way? I actually have two worries. Either EJ bullies other kids or he is bullied by other kids. Either way is not acceptable to me. I know parents/guardians are there to correct unruly behaviour but accidents happen. I'm being morbid here but what happens if in a blink of an eye, a child accidentally/purposely hit EJ in the head. Of course I won't take it sitting down. As much as I won't take it lightly if EJ did the hitting. N said that's unlikely. Parents are natural worriers when it comes to their kids. I was just being a worry wart and a little paranoid.
On the way home, I was busy thinking. Was I being paranoid? I guess I was. I don't want EJ to be isolated just because I am paranoid that he or somebody else will be hurt. As parents, it's our responsibility to teach our babies good manners early on as much as it is our responsibility to give them freedom to be able to stand on their own and fight if needed be.
At least that's what I feel.
2 comments:
I can relate because I also seem to worry a lot about my son especially when he was younger. My hubby on the other hand, is more relaxed in his parenting ways. I think it's good to have such a balance when it comes to parenting.
Parents are such worry warts when it comes to their children, aren't they? More so with the mothers, I guess :)
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