That Kid

When Miracle Boy was little and I would take him places that kids like to go, I always noticed That Kid. You know what I'm talking about. That Kid who is just a little too noisy, a bit too rambunctious, too rough or wild, etc. And I would watch That Kid and wonder: Where are his parents? Where is the discipline? What is wrong with him? Yes, I am ashamed to admit that I would watch with judging eyes. Never bothering to wonder what his story was, what his circumstances were.

Now, I have That Kid. As I sit here at the edge of the pool watching Bambam play in the water, I notice that he's splashing a little too hard. Jumping a little too close to the basketball game. Running full speed into the water. He's careful not to actually run into, jump into, or touch anyone else, but he sure gets close and splashes A LOT. And it does not matter how many time I say slow down, calm down, move down the pool; this is who he is. He craves this impact with the water. Its part of the sensory thing. I cannot take him to a pool and expect him to act otherwise, it will never happen.

So I look around at the other parents and I wonder. Which ones are asking themselves where are his parents. And which ones are asking why he's not disciplined. And which ones are wondering what is wrong with him. Because I know it is happening. I know because once upon a time I was That Parent.