Leina has a bully.

I’m part of the mom’s club here in Sherwood and it’s wonderful. Full of fun, energetic moms who are always planning outings and adventures. The best part is that each child is assigned to an age appropriate playgroup. Leina’s group just happens to be all girls and Leina is the youngest by about three or four months. The moms are a blast and it’s a wonderful thing to look forward to each week.

At least for me.

Leina, however, is learning a very hard life lesson. Kids push. They take your toys. They don’t always share. And most of the time, you want what they have. For an only child these are all new and (more often than not) not so wonderful facts of life.

The one girl closest to Leina’s age is going through a pushing phase. Since Leina is the only one smaller/younger than her, Leina’s the target. She shoves, Leina falls and the crying begins. Leina has no idea what is happening to her. She is completely mystified as to why she’s being pushed. She’ll run up to me, tears dripping, and stutter…..”Leina push! Leina fall down! Leina owie!”

While I comfort Leina, the pusher gets a time out, a “no pushing” lecture and is made to say “sorry”. Of course, right after the “sorry” she pushes again. Sigh. She is, however, getting better. Today at playgroup there was only one push and it occurred when both kids went for the same toy.

And while Leina’s been learning about the hard knocks of life, I’ve been learning a thing or two as well. I’m well aware of the fact that in a short time Leina will go on her very own pushing/biting/hiting/kicking binge so I’m watching my friend as she deals with her daughter. It ain’t easy and I shudder to think that all too soon I’ll be apoligizing and trying to keep a firm eye on my very own trouble maker.

But so far, Leina has resisted the urge to push back and instead seeks refuge in her mother’s arms. Of course, this kind of defeats the purpose of playgroup since Leina refuses now to play with anyone at all. And while part of me wants to teach her to fight back, my wiser half knows that teaching her to turn the other cheek is also an important skill. Of course, try explaining this to a toddler with a very limited vocabulary and sensitive tushie. Ah my poor baby girl!