I would not call myself a very social person. I would never go out of my way to be friendly with strangers and try to strike up a conversation. Its just that I am too lazy to make that effort. But if anyone else makes that effort and gets friendly with me, then I am quite a likeable person :)

Like many other facets of my life have changed, this attitude too has undergone a change since I have entered the beautiful phase of motherhood. Now what is the connection between actively social and being a mother?? Well, a huge one! I have just come to realise what a responsibility it is to be a parent in choosing your child's first friends.

The child starts building friendships only with kids that are around them. And this is possible only when the parent (its mostly always the mother) has a good circle of new moms around as well. Imagine living isolated with no kids around - whom will your kid play with? This is where your socialising skills come to play. You need to get out of your cocoon and look around your neighbourhood. You need to go ahead and socialise with other moms. It acts as a great catalyst to your kid's social development and you too get a good forum to share 'motherhood' experiences!

I have recently moved to beautiful residential complex in Pune, which has a lot of new moms like me. And I have finally moved my lazy self out of my nest and begun taking my kid to the colony park every evening. This place is a great meeting joint for us mothers. In a short time, we have built some good relationships and I now know some of the older kids too! If you had asked me some years back about socialising with kids and their moms, I would have been the least interested. But my perspective has now changed a great deal. Its actually so nice to see your kid playing with kids her age, holding hands with them and exploring new things. Its amazing how she has learnt to let go of me (only for that short play time) and mix up with her 'friends'.

All this struck me when one of the older girls come home last night to call P2 (my daugther's nickname) to her birthday party. My daughter's first invite for a party! Feeling very kiddish, I was thrilled to be invited! I offered her a chocolate and she left - only to come back after a few moments, with her entire group of friends! All of them wanted chocolates! I invited them in and treated them to some Hershey's. It was such a wonderful feeling to see P2 all excited at having kids play with her at home. She proudly showed off her toys and let all of them pay with them as well!

Last night made me realise how important it is to know your neighbours - all for your kid's sake :) They need to feel accepted by the other kids. And the mother has a very important role to play in this. I feel if the mom is friendly with the other kids and their moms, your kid automatically gets accepted as well. Building blocks in some everlasting friendships for your kid :)