The Amazing Power of Children

Yesterday I had a rough day. The kind of day where you doubt the reason for your very existence. The kind of day you where you'd just like to stay in bed, but you don't because people are counting on you.

I'll spare you the gruesome details, but for me, today was NOT all rainbows and puppies.

In the afternoon I had an appointment with my chiropractor/acupuncturist. She does the chiropractic adjustment, then does the sticks needles into whichever points she thinks will help the chi flow better on a given day.

After my session with her, I was feeling better, but still gloomy.

I went to pick my kids up from daycare (for the youngest) and the after-school program my school age children attend. First stop was my four year old's room.

He was picking up a puzzle he had been working on as I was crossing the room. Two adorable girls were reading books on a bench. As I got close to them, one of them stood up and said, "I'm going to tickle you!" and proceeded to do so.

I was taken aback momentarily. With mock surprise I asked, "Why are you tickling me?"

The girl giggled and her friend started giggling too.

Before I knew it, I had a swarm of four year olds descend upon me, tickling me and giggling.

In a matter of seconds, in a purely self defensive act, I began tickling each of them as well. Soon we were all laughing and having a good time.

I asked the teacher if they had been doing this to everyone, or if it was just me. The teacher replied, "it's just you."

Then it struck me...something truly amazing had happened. It reminded me of times when I had cats or dogs in my life. One day you're feeling sick, or maybe you're emotionally off balance, and that dear family pet will cuddle up with, being all cute and endearing and doing what they can to make you feel better. I realized these children were doing the same thing for me!

At the age of four, tickling someone or being tickled is just about the best thing for a natural high. It's fun, it feels good and gets us to smile and laugh. The child who initiated the tickling, on some level must have sensed my emotional unrest, and in a pure, kind and loving gesture, she did what she knew how to do to help me feel better...she tickled me. The innate intelligence of children never ceases to amaze me!

I don't really have a relationship with any of my son's friends...they just know me as his dad. So this act of caring was quite unique and unexpected.

As I was leaving the daycare this morning after signing my son in, I held the door for the girl and her mother as they were walking in...the girl, in passing, reached up and gave me a little tickle. I asked, "Are you tickling me again?"

The girl and her mother both chuckled.

And you know what? I felt better after being swarmed by tickling four year olds than I felt all day.