We’ve always wondered along the way how it would look with our kids, if the older ones would get protective of the younger ones. Not to gender stereotype, but I’ve definitely been curious if the boys would feel protective of the girls. And I think we had our first experience with one of my kids intervening on behalf of a younger sibling. It was unexpected, and it made me both sad and also relieved. And also I laughed. So, a mix. Here goes.
My younger three walk to school together most mornings. A couple of weeks ago, a kid biked past mine and called Wavy a stupid loser. Which, might I add, she is NOT!! Now, when I heard this story, before the hair on my neck could even prickle, I heard the next part.
Rowan got loud and said he could NOT talk to his sister that way!! Which I LOVED!! 💪 because darn right he couldn’t!!!
In the retelling of this story, this was the part where Rowan got wide-eyed. He told me the kid then turned on Rowan and called him a fatty pants. And in that moment in the dining room, all three kids burst out laughing (those three included Rowan) and in his belly laugh, he assured me “and I KNOW I’m NOT a fatty pants!!!”
And honestly, I’m not sure it could have gone better. Except maybe that kid could have not insulted my children and called them names. They don’t ever interact. They barely know of each other. It was just a kid being mean. Though the kids have also told me that home maybe isn’t so easy for him, which isn’t an excuse, but could be a reason. Other than that, though…
I love that Rowan stood up for Wavy.
I love that the rude comments rolled off of both my kids’ backs and no one took them seriously to heart.
I love that Rowan kept his cool and didn’t continue the fight after he was called a rude name.
And I LOVE that we could all laugh at it after.
Wavy is not stupid, nor a loser.
Rowan is not a fatty pants.
Still hurts to hear it sometimes. Kids can be pretty mean. But that experience brought out some really beautiful things in my kids, in my opinion.
Way to stand up for your little sister, Ro. You are a VERY loving big brother.