Definition of a Friend....

Definition of a friend according to a seven year old boy:

“A friend is someone you care about. If they fall down you help them get up. A friend is someone you want to have a play date with.”

I looked up the definition of friend in the dictionary it’s as follow:
1 a : one attached to another by affection or esteem b : acquaintance
2 a : one that is not hostile b : one that is of the same nation, party, or group
3 : one that favors or promotes something (as a charity)
4 : a favored companion

I think I like my seven year olds definition of friend better.

Definition of a “girl” friend according to a seven year old boy:
“Someone you want to kiss”

Here’s the dictionary’s definition of “girl” friend:
1 : a female friend
2 : a frequent or regular female companion in a romantic relationship

As a mom to this seven year old...I like Webster’s first definition: a female friend better.

Page 3 of my summer essay:

Today while picking up Tyler from CCE or (Vacation Bible School), a young girl (but WAY older than Tyler, I think she is in middle school is a helper in Tyler’s class) came out to say good bye to Tyler and patted his head and said, “I just think he is such a doll!!! He is so sweet!” She said this to me as Tyler blushed.

In the car he hands me a picture she drew for him. It said To: Tyler From: Frankie I think you are so adorable and my favorite. Oh my I thought to myself…isn’t she a little old for him!! I told him I was going to keep this and put it in his baby book (along with this journal entry…hoping he will get a kick out of it someday).

I am not bothered by this “older” girl’s affection for Tyler. I have to agree with her rather kind words...I am biased of course, and for those of you who know him…he is a rather sweet and cute boy. I am also not bothered by this because of the following conversation. (We talk about everything! I always want them to feel like they can talk to me about anything….yes, even girls.)

Our conversation:

I ask him, “Tyler, what is your definition of a friend?”

Tyler responds, “a friend is someone you care about. If they fall down you help them up. A friend is someone you want to have a play date with.”

“Oh”, I say, “That’s a great definition”. I then ask, “What is your definition of a “girl" friend?”

He says, without batting an eye, “someone you want to kiss.”

“Oh, do you have a girlfriend?” I ask. (Already knowing the answer)

“No!!”

“When can you have a girlfriend?” (I ask again already knowing the answer…we’ve talked about his before)

“Not until I am at least 16. You have to be old enough to drive so you can go on a date. Now, can I just play my game and not talk about this anymore,” he says.

I smile as I drive home, but think to myself…the answer used to be “not until I am 18 years old”…uh oh!

The picture on top is of Tyler and his first “girl” friend: female companion. They hadn’t seen each other in over 2 years. We met for lunch the other day and they picked up right where they left off….playing in the sandbox!!!