Siddharth has got the soccer fever, of late. Every evening, he takes his football and goes out to find boys to play with. There are 3 groups of boys who play football in our community. Two are groups of older boys and one group is his age group. For some reason, for the past week he was playing with an older group of boys (age group 11 onwards); he is 8. He was enjoying the game and used to come home excited. Just a little background, Siddharth cries easily if teased or bullied around. He is working very hard towards being tougher when around other boys.
Anyway, yesterday, he came and said that he has changed the group of boys he used to play with. He said that one of the older boys told him that they only play with him because he owns a football. To which he replied that he does not need to play with them, he will go play with his other friends. He also carefully hid his hurt and did not cry. Another boy jeered that very soon he will start crying or call his mother. He bravely replied that he will do neither of the things, and he does not need to play with such mean boys.
He went ahead and sought the other group of boys of his age. He was pleasantly surprised because he enjoyed playing with them. And having the experience of playing with older boys for so many days, his game was so much better. So, automatically he was “respected.”
I was touched by his confidence, and his ability to hold his head high. We both felt really proud of him that he had taken a small step towards learning how to cope in this big, bad world where crying does not take you anywhere. He also understands that talent and humility can take you far. This is something I have been telling him for a very long time. But, as they say, experiences are the best teachers.
I also love his openness in communicating with me. That he is able to share something which is hurtful and unpleasant so easily cements the friendship both of us share.
Rachna says 
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