Emotional and social development in childhood

Gary and Ron are practicing soccer moves on the playground. They have all their equipment – goal, shinpads, regulation ball – and they’re having fun together. Ron shows Gary how to head the ball into the goal, both shouting, “Hurray!” But then things get complicated, changing fast, as interaction often does. Ron, thinking twice about sharing his best technique, kicks the ball ferociously away from Gary on the next play. Then Huynh, who had been watching from the sidelines, shyly asks Gary if he can join them. Simultaneously, Gary trips over a swiftly kicked ball, and slumps to the ground. And just then, Jack, the class bully, approaches, laughing at Gary’s discomfort and demanding they leave so that he and his buddies can use the field. Somehow, Gary deals with all of this. He hands the ball to Huynh, extends a hand to Ron, and calmly tells Jack, “It’s our turn now.” When the teacher calls them inside, everybody except Jack is satisfied with recess.