A safe place

A has had a predictable and peaceful life at home with S.

But we are aware she's now of the age where she needs to be spending more time with other toddlers, and learning to play with them.

She already goes to two playgroups a week, thanks to church activities, but we thought it would be a good idea to start going to the playgroup at the local library as well.

This group, believe it or not, is so popular that there is a nightclub 'One in, One Out' policy.

It was loud and busy inside, with toddlers rushing everywhere.

A is a very gentle and cautious child. She was initially fine, but over the course of an hour, three other little tots pushed/grabbed/scratched her, each time causing tears.

It is often the same at the church playgroups, with little collisions and mishaps.

Anyway today, S decided she'd had enough, and we left early.

But we are going to have to go back, as there is nothing to be gained in the long-run by over-protecting A from boisterous toddlers. Otherwise she'll have an almighty shock when she starts at nursery.

At least kids recover quickly from these little upsets.