Among the many losses I've grieved about my kids gutting through COVID, no play dates for Asher has been particularly felt, and not just because I often tire of being his substitute. Even if I had unlimited time and energy, which obviously I don't, a 6-year-old's playmate shouldn't be a middle-aged man, even if that middle-aged man is his dad and often willing to take Nerf bullets to the chest and even do horsey rides.
So it's been wonderful to dip our toes back into the normal world of play dates, as COVID lifts and the weather warms. Asher compelled the first one by literally bursting out the door and racing to his friend's house, whose name and address I didn't even know but clearly he knew this particular way around the neighborhood better than I. What a delight to watch two boys play video games, exercise their imaginations, and giggle an afternoon away while I and Asher's friend's mom looked on with big grins.
The next weekend was a double drop-off, in that I left Asher at his friend's house, and then they made their way to our house. During the first half, a rare time at home when Asher didn't require at least me keeping one eye on him if not more, I felt super-human, tending to chores at a rapid clip in my newly freed state. And, during the second half, I was able to do some lower-level chores, ones that allowed me to be near the boys. But not once did I need to intervene. Because, you know, when kids get together, they can play to their heart's content without adults manufacturing anything or providing much oversight.
This all may sound obvious, but after two years of being grounded at home, it's good to remember that childhood is for playing with friends. So happy Asher is getting some of this finally.
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