My kids have been playing with the neighbor girl a lot, now that she's old enough to just drop in and ring the doorbell (which she does several times a day). I know exactly what you mean about it being an extra effort for you and yet such a blessing. I think my son is making great strides in negotiating/compromising, instead of getting frustrated when other kids don't want to follow his idea or doesn't understand his idea.
LUCKY!
My eldest nt dd had her best friend across the street for over 10 years~she practically was at my house 8 hours a day..now they moved & we have no kids here at all:(
I've been eavesdropping on my ds playing with the twins down in our basement. Ds said something completely illogical about making the ingredients for a hurricane and one twin responded with something equally illogical and then the other did as well. But it seemed to make complete sense to all of them and they continued on with their play.
I just LOVE that these guys can just connect with my ds and it makes him feel so much better and that he fits in with them. They don't seem to notice any difference in him at all and just go with the flow. Even when he goes off to the side and kind of stims - they just let him do that and play by themselves for a few minutes. Then they try to get him to do something else and he usually does!
I wish for every single one of you parents/caretakers to find someone like these guys for your kids. It has made all the difference in the world for my son!
Not saying that they aren't sometimes exhausting as I am often very involved in their play (especially when my dd is playing with them) and they are always on the move and needing water or another toy or whatever. But, it is all worth it when I hear a conversation like that!
Thanks for the smile!