VENT SESSION // Kids can be so mean!

I knew that getting settled and making friends would be a challenge but I had no idea it would be this difficult.  We've lived in the new house for 3 months now and still haven't really met anyone. Knowing we would likely move to the city we currently live in I enrolled both kids in gymnastics at one of the local studios thinking we would meet some other families in the area and maybe make a friend or two.  Boy was I wrong! Even when the kids seem to connect and enjoy hanging outNone of the parents seem open to making new friends. We've also been going to various parks and even there the kids we've encountered have been mean and the parents are closed off and unreceptive.

Just the other day while at the park my 2 year old son was told by another little boy to "go away", "get out of here", "leave us alone", "don't follow us" and not willing to share the park or take turns on the slide.  And unfortunately the parents are too busy on their smartphones to pay any real attention to what is going on. I probably wouldn't be so bothered by it but since we are new to the area and are actively searching for new friends I think I'm overly sensitive.

Even my daughter while at the park said to another little girl and her mom that we are new to the area and would love to meet up again sometime. The mom just looked at her, gave a half smile and said, "it's time to go" to her daughter.  So frustrating!!!

OVERHEARD / / memories

Our transition into Orange County has been rough on all of us and I feel especially bad for our daughter.  She misses her friends and daily routine so much.  I've done my best to make things fun for her but I think it's just going to take time.

Yesterday I walked into her room and notices she was looking at a small photo album that I put pictures of her family and friends.  I asked her what she was doing she replied that she was looking at her book of memories and remembering when she was happy.

Oh my.... it just breaks my heart!!! I just wish she could find one friend that she could connect with.

Just STOP!! Please...

The kids have been really going at it lately.  and by going at it i mean rolling around on the ground, pulling hair (a lot of hair), hitting and pinching.  It is ugly and happens several times a day.  It's just ugly and I'm hoping that it ends soon.  Maybe just maybe as the little guy gets older he will be able to communicate better and things won't be so darn right ugly.  I know that most of the fighting comes from Dominic wanting to "help" his big sister or be included in what she is doing.  It usually starts like this: Dominic comes over to Luci and brings her her mimi (blanket/lovie) or favorite toy which she doesn't want at the moment.  She shoves it away and ignores him. Dominic being the determined little guy that he is then tries again and Luci gets annoyed and yells in his face, "STOP DOMINIC!" in this ugly, ugly voice.  He then gets frustrated and pulls her hair rips her hair from her head or hits her on the head

This too shall pass... and then it will  be something else...