Desperately Seeking Social Skills

Lulu is such a charmer. She has most adults and older children wrapped around her finger in about 4 seconds flat. But other toddlers are a bit of a different issue. She is conflicted on how she feels about other kids her age. She loves them and she loves them not. And I think the feeling is mutual.

She loves them. She lights up when she sees another "baby", but she doesn't quite know how to express her excitement in appropriate ways. So she "tackle hugs" and throws toys at them if they don't readily receive them as gifts from her.

She loves them not. She has definitely improved in the areas of sharing, grabbing and pinching. But she still doesn't understand why kids her age don't give her everything she wants like her siblings and their friends.

We've had some fun play dates lately and that helps her to develop social skills. Last week it was HoneyGirl...
They both have their "mini me" dolls. Though we don't get together near enough, HoneyGirl's family has walked alongside us throughout our adoption and it's always a joy to be together.

Twice this week we got to be with Natalie...
Natalie is such a sweet, little thing. If you think she looks terrified in the pictures, it's because she is. She was the one Lulu flattened with her linebacker hug. We've been friends with her parents for almost 20 years, so she's stuck with us for better or for worse. Thankfully there was some "better" in our time. I was so excited when I returned from a quick trip to the kitchen to find this...
They were actually playing together. Without Lulu trying to grab anything from Natalie's hands. Victory! Shortly thereafter, Lulu offered Natalie a toy on her own...
And then intentionally yanked it back with a mischievous grin...
Baby steps, people.

And today was her first play date with Emory. Which was Emory's very first play date with another baby her age. Emory was not at all sure about Lulu or the whole idea in the beginning. But they warmed up to each other...
There was one teeny, tiny accidental plowing down of Emory with the doll stroller, but no permanent damage done. Hopefully, Lulu is catching onto the idea that she cannot always be the center of the universe. I'm glad it worked out in the end for the babies because I heart Emory's mama who is a blog friend turned real life friend.

Navigating the social skills of a toddler can be challenging, but no less so than navigating our un-chartered waters of having an almost-teenager with a cell phone...