“Oh, isn’t he cute when he plays like that?”
“I’d like a house with a play room for the kids.”
“Let’s get together for a playdate.”
When you have children, the subject of play comes
up pretty often.
Like every day, because that’s what we see our children do.
But if you stop and think about it, playing to us is
very serious to your young child.
Your little girl has a tea set, dollies and all the
things that dolls (babies) must have.
American Girl Doll’s Bitty Baby must be one
of the most popular “babies” you can get for your little girl.
Little boys have cars, tractors, action figures to expand
the imagination. Legoes, in all sizes are perfect for
building whatever comes to mind.
Lest you think I’m sounding sexist, these toys are
interchangeable for both boys and girls.
As a Nana, married to Papa, we have a corner of our
family room devoted to things to play with and
DRESS UP CLOTHES, that are the most popular with the
girls in our family. They hit our front door running and
before you know it, have shed their cute outfit for one
of their own making from the dress up clothes box.
These outfits get changed many times while they’re here.
So what does “play” really mean?
It means that your child is learning and practicing every
day to become a grown-up. The things they see you doing
are the things they take seriously as to how everyday life is lived.
Many characteristics come with them when they enter the world,
but they are further developed through play and practice.
So the next time you watch your child immersed in an
activity, know that he is learning to be just like you!
Here’s to serious playtime,
Nana Mary
