I've noticed something very interesting as my toddler's imagination develops. He has not needed to be taught how to pretend. He does not need it modeled for him. It is just innate.
I'll walk into a room and see him making his little animal toys walk around and make noises. Or he'll pick some random object up and make sounds and actions as if it's a weapon of some sort. He has never seen anyone play with fake animals or use weapons, but somehow, he knows how to play like he is doing those things.
It's so fun to see him drive his little cars around and fly his airplanes in the air with accompanying sound effects. Or to see him rock, snuggle, and kiss his baby dolls though he's never seen anyone take care of a little baby other than me taking care of him.
I guess there really is no "art of pretend" it just comes naturally to his little mind.
I'll walk into a room and see him making his little animal toys walk around and make noises. Or he'll pick some random object up and make sounds and actions as if it's a weapon of some sort. He has never seen anyone play with fake animals or use weapons, but somehow, he knows how to play like he is doing those things.
It's so fun to see him drive his little cars around and fly his airplanes in the air with accompanying sound effects. Or to see him rock, snuggle, and kiss his baby dolls though he's never seen anyone take care of a little baby other than me taking care of him.
I guess there really is no "art of pretend" it just comes naturally to his little mind.
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| His favorite playmate |
It is so fun to watch, agreed.
ReplyDeletePlaying pretend is the way children also learn social skills. They create characters that have to solve problems and in so doing, they figure out for themselves how to solve similar problems in real life. My daughters get so into their pretending that they will forget to eat for 4-6 hours at a time. It is so magical and I am so grateful to be able to give them the TIME they need to mature and learn on their own terms.
ReplyDeleteBabies are great fun!
ReplyDelete