>Miss Understanding

>At three years of age, Punky is struggling to understand the nuances of social situations, from why we put napkins in our laps when we eat dinner to how exactly to root for her sisters at soccer games. As you can imagine, many things are just beyond her grasp.

As she sat in my lap at her 17-year-old sister’s indoor soccer game last week, she looked around at everyone around her who shouted her sister’s name.

“Go, 17!” I yelled. “Nice pass!” Punky watched me quietly. Game play stopped as 17’s team scored and the other team set up to kick the ball.

“17!” Punky yelped. Her voice echoed through the indoor gym and 17 looked over at her and waved. The referee blew his whistle.

“17!” Punky squealed again. “17!”

“Punky, shhh,” I said in her ear. “You’re going to distract her.”

“But you say her name, Mommy,” Punky said uncomprehendingly.

“I say things that help her feel good while she’s playing,” I tried my best to explain. “I say, ‘Go, 17!’ or ‘Good try, 17!’ But if I just said her name, she might think I’m just trying to get her attention and then she’d forget to watch the ball.” Punky sat for a moment, taking it all in. Game play continued on the field and the parent-peppered stands were silent. Suddenly, Punky stood up.

“17 up the playroom!” Punky yelled at the top of her little voice. It was 17’s favorite place to be at home, and I guess that was the nicest and most encouraging thing my little preschooler could come up with. All of the parents laughed and several girls on the field looked over at her and smiled.

I’m really going to be sad when this kid grows up.

This post originally appeared on Parents.com.