Toddler Friendships

I once read an article that said that toddlers really value their friendships with other kids even though they often fight over toys and hit each other. I'm seeing that to be more and more accurate as we navigate through Mr. Mister's developing social interactions. Here is a classic example.

Yesterday, cousin Ney Ney (that's what Mr. Mister calls him) came over to play. When Mr. Mister saw him, he almost jumped out of my arms in excitement. What followed was a chaotic hour of playing, as my sister and I spent most of the time mediating between them. They are just so opposite. As my mom put it: Ney Ney is more reserved while Mr. Mister is like a bull in a China shop. Mr. Mister gets so excited to play with his cousin that he almost can't handle it, which manifests itself in somewhat aggressive behavior. He also abides by the toddler motto: "what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine." Ney Ney, on the other hand, needs time to warm up, so he spent most of the time hiding behind his mama. The hour they "played together" was like a whirlwind and not much actual playing occurred.

BUT...as soon as they left, Mr. Mister got so sad and started saying, "Ney Ney? Ney Ney?" while looking out the window. My sister said that Ney Ney was in the car saying Mr. Mister's name over and over too. So there you have it. Toddler friendships at their best.