Mar 25 2008
Improved Relations
Boys do eventually grow out of some of their annoying tendencies. I’m sure girls do, too, but I’ve never brought one up — heck, never even had a niece — and so I claim no expertise in the female arena.
Yeah, so what’s new, right?
On Easter weekend, Benjamin and his cousin, LC, got along great from the minute they saw each other and said something highly emotional but completely unintelligible. This is a marked improvement over previous gatherings, wherein they take a day or two to adjust, and start getting along great about three hours before we have to head home.
Despite their improved relations, there remain patent differences in the boys’ personalities. Benjamin’s attitude seems to be, “Let’s run around in the yard,” while LC is more likely to say, “Let’s see who can run faster.” They both enjoy each type of activity, but their proclivities are undeniable. In that respect, they are almost exactly like my brother and me.
Sure, they hit a few bumps during the three-day weekend, but nothing that lasted long.
This allowed us to repeatedly “set it and forget it,” which with boys means open the door and hear their joyous shrieks as they leap off the front porch or bound down the back deck stairs. My parents live out in the country, so there’s never a shortage of things for the kids to do.
Sure, we were outside with them a little, and kept a collective eye on them while we weren’t. But, just the idea of having your son go out and play without constantly tucking his head back through the door saying, “Will you play with me?” can be bliss. Throw in the added benefit of huge yards on all sides and a virtually car-free street? Jackpot.
The best part, by far, was the boys’ increased skill at getting along right from the start.
Next: We go where Bernie and Kenneth went.
Sounds like the boys had a great time… what about Mark and Shan???
In about a month’s time we’ll be able to throw open our back door and tell our boys: “Go outside and play!”
I can’t wait for that time. Boys always seem to get along better the more space there is. Reduces certain territorial tendencies.
And just what is it that convinces you that you have outgrown your annoying tendencies? I haven’t!
There is something about when your kids can run free. I remember playing outside for hours on end and then coming in for dinner and only wanting to go out again! I love when there is a freedom to let them do that without all the fears that can come with it.
When we were in London (I know, I am dropping that again)….we didnt have a yard (front or back) and lived on a busy street. When we moved to suburban Atlanta the fact that my kids could ride bikes and play in the back yard was enough to make me start crying.
Sounds like Ben had fun and mom and dad too! :)
This “set it and forget it” parenting of which you speak. Do tell me more…I’m intrigued :)
It’s an interesting difference between Ben and his cousin and that it so closely mirrors the fathers’ own differences. Nature vs. nurture, eh? My own brother and I are too far apart in age to really ever have faced much competitiveness. Jet is a competative soul, no doubt, but it was never directed. And by the time our age difference no longer mattered so much, he had lost some of his drive to best his neighbors in all things.
I’m glad to hear that the cousins are enjoying each others’ company though. With only one cousin on that side to play with, it would be nice if Ben could call him a friend.
Dave - I thought a good time was implied, what with the references to the ability to relax and all.
Simon - Would that Benjamin had a live-in playmate! But, wouldn’t that we had another kid.
God save the cold Canadians.
Pops - Oh, I definitely haven’t outgrown all of them. But, generally I don’t walk across the room and rip something I want from someone’s hand. Unless it’s candy and there’s a baby involved.
Anna - Anybody who’s been to London and accomplished what you and your husband have deserves to drop that name any time you like. I definitely would not want to raise my kid there, though, and it sounds like you found out the same thing.
Moksha - It is interesting how much they differ, yet still get along so well. Much like my brother and me. He didn’t usually compete with me directly, because it was just too easy to beat me, probably. He is nearly a full two years older than I, whereas Ben and LC are only five weeks apart.