Outsider kids

Tonight we went to a social event. It was primarily for adults but families were included, so that meant there were some kids there. Not many. Well, lots of babies - most of the adults in the crowd were pretty young. The few older kids that were there belonged to the co-hosts. The event was held at the home of one "set" of kids, and the other set obviously knew them well and were comfortable at the house.

This did not bode well for the single set of outsider kids who came to this event. They were briefly scrutinized and then ignored.

Now, it is sometimes easy for kids to strike up a friendship with a stranger, but usually when it happens spontaneously it is on fairly neutral territory, like a playground. It is a little more difficult in someone's house, where the new kids are at a disadvantage.

It would seem reasonable that the parents of the kids of the hosting house would make introductions between the sets of kids. And, perhaps, at this mostly-adult event where some kids are expected, to have some form of ice-breaker to make the new kids feel a little more comfortable.

At least, that is what I have always done, and most people I know have done.

I hope you do it too.