January 28th, 2010 Toddler pretend play Posted by Melitsa in play activities, pretend play, Sites to visit, Thought of the week

Yesterday you saw a photo of the LO wearing my shoes.
It’s a new habit. He finds them and wears them around the house.
Toddlers love to observe and then copy. When it is wearing your slippers or trying on your boots you can smile as they thump around the house it is cute but we’ve all been in situations when they do something you know it’s because we do it and they are just imitating us….not so cute and very humbling for us.

The new joy has given endless new play experiences. Getting the shoes on and off, throwing them, wearing odd pairs, moving with huge shoes on little feet. I see the concentration as he tries to get his foot inside and move with the shoe on. Tries to run and fall and feels the limitations of his new shoes. I see his focus as he scans the room looking for the other shoe ( any shoe) As we get ready to get out the door he tries to find his shoes or our shoes.

He is experimenting.

He’s playing!

For the rest of the family it is one huge headache finding our shoes and slippers especially if you are in a hurry. BUT we have to remind ourselves that he’s just playing not trying to slow us down. ( Note to big brothers)
OK I know I could just lock all the shoes away and then voila the problem would go away…………but think about all the experiences he would be missing. This is what everyday play is all about. Finding everyday moments to experience life through play.

……..( I must admit. Some days the shoes do get locked away)
What do you encourage even though it can be hard on the rest of the family?

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Melitsa Avila is a former teacher, mother of three boys and military wife who talks about living an intentional play lifestyle using practical and everyday play activities to do with the under 5s. She publishes related ebooks & newsletters. Melitsa is the host and producer of a weekly Early Childhood radio show: Raising Playful Tots bringing parents and carers together with Early childhood practitioners. Thanks for reading!

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