Children should be seen and not heard.

So many adults had or have this mentality pretty much every kid in America knew it by heart.

Kids and adults were often kept separated at parties and family events. It had its perks, but yesterday I was reminded of something.

We sometimes worry about P being an only child. Almost none of our friends have kids P’s age, and those who do live an hour across town, so she doesn’t get to spend much time playing with friends outside school.

So when, at five-and-a-half, she’s the only kid at a pool party, and all our adult friends take turns hanging out and playing with her, it stands out as being particularly awesome.

Sitting outside on the patio, watching The Rundown by the pool, an hour past bedtime, she wasn’t just a kid–she was part of the crew.

I’ve seen this before. That little girl had to work and missed the party, but her husband was there and it was really cool seeing he and P just sitting at the edge of the pool talking like anyone else.

Children should be included. I’m glad the company I keep treats my kid like she belongs there.