I enjoy seeing my kids in their environment. It isn’t often that I get to. I see them plenty in my environment or with us when we go places, but it isn’t often I see them in their environment. Last night was a great chance to do that. It was the annual Pumpkinpolooza at their school and that meant games, prizes, and trunk or treating.
When they were wrapping up Beach Day School in the 4s it felt like social hierarchies were already developing and with my daughter it feels that way as well. She tells us every day how she only wants to play with these kids and not those other ones. Now that the boys are in public school all that has gone away.
Social hierarchies weren’t a thing for me until the 5th grade and that was when I was the new kid and not fully accepted at Sangster Elementary. I remember no social hierarchies at West Springfield Elementary, but Middle and High School is when they really kicked in. When everyone had their groups and their hangout spots.
I can’t explain why it happens or doesn’t happen or what exactly is going on in the minds of children or with our education system, but I do believe that social hierarchies are inherently wrong. That all people should be accepted, respected, and given value simply for their being.
Back to the trunk or treat. I am always surprised by just how many friends Windsor has. Every time we walk in the building there are kids coming up to him and wanting his attention. It has gotten to a point where Roland was referred to as Windsor’s brother by a few kids that then asked where’s Windsor.
Don’t worry, Roland has plenty of his own friends and he found them last night. Said hi, hung out, and had a good time. The best time was the candy though, and we had to be responsible parents and tell them not to dive in that night. My wife also hid all the candy so I couldn’t find a Twix bar this morning. I need to buy our Halloween candy, but if I buy it now I’m going to start eating it.
David Huzzard Writes 