The Incredible Disappearing Boy

I have made a heartbreaking observation.

My son is invisible to others.

When he was a baby and a toddler, people would often stop us and remark on his hair or how cute he was or how articulate he seemed to be. It truly seemed like we couldn't go anywhere without being stopped and gushed upon. But now that he is 7, almost 8, he barely registers on other's consciousness unless he is being naughty or obnoxious.

Then I realized that this seems to be true of almost all other young boys I see. No wonder they fall into trouble. They are in the gap and the shadows.

Babies are cute. Toddlers are funny. But after that... what happens? Doesn't it seem like they don't register until they are teenagers and 'look like trouble'?

Because my son is so entirely competent I forget how much he still really needs me. He doesn't need me to make his breakfast or tie his shoes or wipe his rear. He can spend hours on his own reading or creating a new Lego masterpiece. But he does still need me and his dad to listen to him, to hear what he has to say. Doesn't he? He does still need to know that this world sees him and that he matters and can have an impact. Right?

So do me a little favor... the next time you see a 7 year old boy in the grocery store, please stop and remark at what a smart/funny/ _____ boy he must be. Look him right in his blue marble eyes. Let him know he is not invisible.