Step Back

We affectionally call my boy “slow to start”. Since he was really little he has never been one to jump right into something. At a park he will look and watch. Taking it all in, the kids playing, what they are doing, the equipment to use. And, after some time, he would go for it.

I have always thought of it as a great quality. Sure you desperately need those people who  will jump right in and see how things go. But there is something appealing about those that are considered, thoughtful. It means that what they do matters, it’s not simply a guess.

It shows in how Jack behaves. He avoids the rough and tumble kids if he is not in a rough and tumble mood. He moves towards those kids he thinks will be fun to play with. I’m probably reading too much into it but I really think he sometimes considers how he might approach the different kids. He (usually) goes on the equipment he wants to before he gets the ‘home time’ call.

When we adults go to the playground of work, or family, or friends, it’s worth reminding ourselves to step back and take time to see what’s out there. 

It could change the way we play.