I am a little sensitive and hyper-aware about my 4 year-old daughter’s behaviour on the playground. She can be a bit anti-social (i.e. she sticks to herself) and since I’m a social person I always try to encourage her to make friends in the park or at least say ‘hi’ to other children. Well, the other day I got a lesson from my offspring about limits and not necessarily doing what you’re told (and how it can be a good thing).

The family was at the park across the street the other evening. Tai was mucking about by the sewer drain (of course) and Sloane was jumping around pretending she was a cat or something. I noticed a girl slightly older walking around the park and she had 2 little lackeys (younger girls) obediently following her around. The little ring-leader approached my daughter and asked what her name was. Sloane answered (I was surprised) and when the other girl extended her hand, Sloane actually took it (which surprised me even more).

I watched the girls’ backs as they walked away from us across the park. There went my little girl suddenly looking like lackey number three. But just as they approached the far fence I saw Sloane drop her hand and turn around and bolt back towards her parents sitting on a park bench. When she was back near us she resumed her solo, parallel play near her brother but didn’t engage us. She was back in her comfort zone and happy with her decision and no need to discuss it with her mom or dad.

Very interesting. My daughter is not a leader (I already knew that) but now I know she is definitely not a follower either (which is just fine with me). No, she’s independent and confident with herself and just a lovely weirdo. Correction, she’s MY lovely weirdo.

Sloane, don’t ever change….