:. playground mentality .:

I have had the express pleasure lately of accompanying Mr. Gavin to the park on a few of these lovely spring afternoons. (Sshhh . . . . don't tell Liam! We go while he is napping.)
I have noticed something wonderful:
children of a certain age (usually under six years old) are very accepting, kind, and democratic.
Yes, there is always the exception; the one bratty kid who doesn't take turns, or whines and complains or what have you. But for the most part, kids are very willing to make an instant friend, wait patiently for their turn at the slide, and just enjoy a day at the park.
Brown, black, white, Gavin has made some new friends lately, simply by virtue of sharing a love of the Big Slide.

When does all that change? When do we start noticing that a person is 'different' from us? When do we start having a me-first mentality? When do we start worrying about impressing others, rather than just enjoying their company?

It's too bad, isn't it?