I feel like I am sneaking in a post as I sit here, on the floor in the kids play room (everyone soundly napping) laptop perched upon the Spongebob chair.
We had a play “date” today with one of the mother’s I meet almost a year ago at our local Gymboree. I emphasize the word date because that is what it feels like, mother’s sizing each other and their kids up to see if you and your little one could be a likely play date companion. After the initial approach, exchange of phone numbers, and first call, it feels like the luck of the draw, you never know what you are going to get!
But what are you supposed to expect?
Friendship or just someone to go on play dates with?
We went out today and I felt like the “red headed step child” of the mother friends. My friend had bought her cousin, who doesn’t have kids and another mother and her daughter from my friend’s daughter’s preschool. The entire time we were there they sat and talked in their little circle. It is hard for me to do that with my kids. In order for Sophia to play, I have to play with her.
Maybe I just need to take it for what it is worth, a play date.
I guess the initial reason I go on them is so that my son will get to go places and play with and meet other children.
Although at first, I enjoyed my friend’s company and my son enjoyed her daughter’s company, but they have grown apart. Now they attend different preschools and have different friends (as much as kids can be “friends” in preschool), so maybe it’s time for me to branch out and move on.
Meet some mothers with kids in my son’s class.
Geez.
I’m afraid of rejection.
What if I’m just not that mother’s cup of tea? After all, I’m not just the plain blend, neither are my children.
We come with a little sweetness and spice, shall we say an exotic blend?
I think I just have to suck it up and take play dates for what they’re worth, great experiences for my children to develop and grow socially. And if a new mom friend comes along with it , I’ll just take it as an added bonus.
Maybe I should take out an ad:
Energetic, outgoing, friendly, married, suburban, African
American Stay-At-Home Mother of 2 beautiful interracial
children seeks another mother for play dates and possible
friendship. Ethnic background not important. Must be outgoing,
flexible and spontaneous, able to experience new things with
toddler in tow. Be willing to share motherhood experiences
similar but not limited to potty training, temper tantrums, and
sibling rivalry. Friendship not necessary, but is a welcomed bonus.
Weekly play dates preferred but not necessary and can be
rescheduled and canceled due to necessary parenting,
family mishaps, not limited to weather, sickness, flat tires,
temper tantrums, or just plain old mommy tiredness. Most
important just be willing to have a great time, leaving the
competitive, petty BS at home.
