The language of Children

My three year old son Sanjiv never ceases to amaze me. Sometime back he gave yet another insight about himself in particular and children in general. Our servant –Kavita-had brought her six year old son—Sumeet- home. While she was doing her work, Sanjiv quietly went about playing with him. He even shared his precious toy- a musical instrument with Sumeet. The two of them literally made music together.
When it was time for Kavita to leave she naturally wanted to take Sumeet with her. Sanjiv however would have none of it. He wanted Sumeet to remain and play with him. It was with great difficulty that we managed to let Sumeet go.

Contrast this with Sanjiv’s behavior when he plays with Siva the child of a good family friend. Adult logic has it that the two should get along very well. After all they come from a similar socio-economic background and speak the same language-Tamil. In reality, although Sanjiv plays with Siva he is really not that comfortable with him. He refuses to part with his toys where Siva is concerned although Siva shares his toys with Sanjiv. The two children play together but it is not that comfortable a relationship.

This brings us face to face with one of life’s great truths. Children are not conscious about socio-economic considerations. This becomes a part of their lives when childhood recedes and adulthood beckons.

In this case the fault does not lies in either Sanjiv, Siva or their stars. It is just the way that some things are meant to be. This is what allows, Sanjiv to communicate in a language that only children can understand with Sumeet but is unable to do so with Siva.