Today BigBrother had his first “day camp” experience. He’s attending a one week version of Safety Town. He was, to be understated, excited.
But, as he has some of my personality, as we walked into the elementary school cafeteria where they were separating into groups, he got quiet. I may be loud. I may be quite social. But in a brand new situation, I will shut down and cling to something familiar. Whether that’s a friend or the wall, it doesn’t matter. BigBrother turned to me and hugged me hard, giving me a kiss. I knew what he was feeling.
We found his group — the Dolphins — and one of his teen leaders let him sit in his seat. He was quiet for a bit, looking back at us with his big brown eyes. We smiled, flashed some thumbs up signs and smiled some more. He eventually started talking the boy sitting next to him. And then he started talking to the teenage girl who gave him his seat.
Ten minutes later?
He schmoozed his way onto her lap.
I know I say he’s like me. But he’s better. Not only is he better at social stuff, but he’s more trusting and better at making people like him. Ladies? Ladies love him. Other kids? Gravitate toward him. Men? Give him high fives and fist bumps. And recently, he had this weird growth spurt and looks… old.
He seems to know, better than many adults, how to own his awesome. And how to schmooze with the best of them. I’m proud. But man, I wish I could bottle a little of that.