Overload

Several comments suggested Evan should have a fourth birthday party since he is four. Today that happened, but it was too much. He doesn't like being the focus of too much attention. His pre-school/crèche has a lovely ritual for the celebration of birthdays, but he was having none of it. When they put the glittery crown on his head, he swept it off onto the floor and started to cry. (Some green glitter flakes remained in his hair.) I was very impressed by the teachers. They affirmed that it's OK to cry, it's OK to feel whatever you feel, and it's OK to put your head down on the table while the others have a party. Indeed, he put his head down and covered his face, and they carried on with the rest of the children, singing the song and doing the dance around him, but letting him be quiet and refuse to join in. (See Extra.) I wish all communities were this accepting of difference.