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The More The Merrier!

The girls had their first play date last weekend. It was actually more of a “family date,” with both sets of parents eager to see if we got along as well as the kids. That’s the way it is when you have children, isn’t it? You put a moratorium on making new friends who are single because you just don’t have the time. And then you try to find other families to hang out with who share at least some of your values and parenting style. Otherwise it can make for a really awkward afternoon. (Could you imagine me at a play date with a family who refuses vaccinations?! Seriously.)

Anyway, to my delight, the date was a success. Fips’ Mom didn’t mind when Zoe pulled out her little friend’s binky and put it in her own mouth. (She said, “Baby germs are very clean.”) I was really worried about how the girls would react to a new person inspecting their toys, but it wasn’t an issue. The three of them even explored the kitchen together before making a new game of standing up, letting go and falling down, which they all though was hilarious. (Fips just learned to stand alone the day before so I think Eva was humoring her.) And they happily shared an entire pint of strawberries.
So why is Dr. Zibners telling you about Mommy’s fabulous social life? It’s for a couple of reasons. Firstly, don’t feel bad about choosing to spend time with people who share similar approaches to parenting and exclude those who criticize “your way” or who have beliefs that could jeopardize your child’s health. (I’m thinking specifically of firearms in the home and immunizations but I suppose an obsession with latex balloon animals would also qualify).  Secondly, know that kids go through phases. Maybe today they love Fips but should personalities conflict or any one of them is going through a stage that makes playing together stressful, then we’ll have to back off and avoid those situations for a while. Oh gee, wasn’t it just so much easier when they just lay on a cushion and stared at ceiling fans?

Dr. Lara Zibners, Jan 18, 2011

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