I find that, more and more, children are drawing the unfortunate conclusion that when boys and girls like each other they must be labeled boyfriend and girlfriend. What is really discouraging is that this is often the result of the encouragement and prodding of adults who think it is “cute.”
It is also disheartening that this leads to kids who never do learn to have that wonderful, rare and precious thing -- a friend who is the opposite gender.
I have seen this happen so many times – even with children as young as 3 & 4 years old. I just do not get it . . . . What is so cute about attributing romantic adult characteristics to our children's innocent and purely loving friendships?
Just yesterday a neighbor told me (in front of her 5 year old Austin),
“Oh yes, Austin has a little girlfriend in class! It's so cute. They are going to the movies together on Saturday. Her Mom and I worked out a play date. He thinks she is beautiful!”
I'm sorry but I wanted to throw up. I opted for the “totally ignore the connotations and respond as if I am oblivious” response.
I think I said something like, “Isn't that great that Austin has such a good friend in kindergarten. Going to the movies is always fun, the more the merrier...are you inviting any of the neighborhood kids?”
Rude? Maybe...but it stopped me from preaching at her and I am sure that would have just made her mad and made me look like some “know-it-all” because of my strong opinion in this matter.
I have noticed that many times the same parents who wring their hands over promiscuous teenagers and teens who have "serious" romantic relationships are often the same ones who encourage puppy love in kindergarten.
