Interesting observations at the pool…a game of three is going on, two middle school boys and one young adult who is what, an older brother? The Objective: whomever is in the pool must be kept in the pool. My daughter CRAVES to join though they all have years and strength on her, but she is joining in all the same. Only requires a little prompting from me a little to stand her ground. They will be playing this game all summer…and tickles are tactical and strategic at times. She used her smarts once to gain an advantage as the Elder attempted to get out of the pool. She couldn't over power him but she tickled and back in he fell in a giggle.
She amps up her awareness as to where she needs to be. Plus her swimming goggles make her impenetrable when water is splashed in her face. It’s a fun game for the players. And even more fun to watch as she grows more confident in her ability to still make new friends with a simple request she used to do with tremendous ease as a pre-schooler and “Can I play with you?”
Gone for now are the days of making new best friends every time we went to the park. It is replaced with a hint of self-consciousness...little girl growing up...sigh!
