There was an older girl and her brother already there, sitting below the playground stairs, digging. Little Miss Haana went up to them to talk and play with them. But the kids didn't want to play with her. The little girl felt bad that she wasn't included in their games, but then began playing at the slides by herself.
Soon 2 more kids came, an older boy with his younger sister. Both older than little Miss Haana. Their Dad, following behind, caught up with them, saw the kids already there, and asked his son- "Hey, you know them, right?", without actually taking any names or referring to anyone but his son. The son nodded. Dad wandered off.
Since the kids all knew each other previously, they all started playing together. Little girl Haana thought maybe they'll all play with her too now. But, the oldest boy (who came later) turned to her and said "I hate her".
I heard him clearly, I was right there. Gugu was on the slide right between him and me. His sister repeated the words, adding "me too". They all turned around and proceeded in their games.
I was just stunned at the words. And at what had just happened. I wanted to somehow protect my little baby from the hurt that callous people and their wanton words can cause. But I also want to teach her emotional endurance and for her to stand up for herself. For that reason, in general, I don't like to intervene, I want her to handle situations. I do watch and listen, so I can tell her what's right and what's wrong.
The next minute, Gugu turned to me and said "Everybody hates me Mumma."
I couldn't believe my ears! I said, "What?" She said " Everybody hates me except Rushil". I was even more taken aback. I said "Don't say that bachha. Don't use such words. Those kids are just being silly.". She said yes they are bad kids. I agreed with her.
Many more kids and their parents had come now to the playground. The parents were busy setting up an Easter egg hunt in the playground.
She proceeded to play at the slide next to this one instead. There, she started on this project of digging a burrow for a bunny! I goaded her a few times to leave the playground and head home. But she wanted to complete her project.
I sat on a bench nearby and wondered how these kids learnt such a word. And how they didn't learn the meaning of the word kindness. To be honest, I didn't have a high opinion of the parents at that point either, who, I thought, haven't taught anything half decent to the kids. And, I thought such kids are not fit for social company. To be perfectly honest, I wanted to take my little girl and go back home. But I waited on her at the bench by myself. Watching these parents set up their Easter egg hunt with distaste.
Meanwhile, little Miss Haana was still working under the other slide, and we left only when she was satisfied with her burrow for a bunny rabbit. She came up and took me by the hand to show me.
On the way back, I asked her about the kids, and she said they were bad kids. I agreed. They were bad indeed.
But some thing I realized later; in spite of the older kids ostracizing her, her sticking it out; not getting intimidated, not wanting to run away, holding her ground, playing her games, doing her thing- is brave. And for that- I'm proud of her. She proved to be the strong one.
She may be smaller in size physically than some other kids, but mentally, I was proud to witness, she can be one tough cookie!
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