Imagination

Have you ever wondered how a child develops an imagination? When does this begin? How is this understood? This is something that is very fascinating to think about in the development of a child. Really, it is amazing how much a child can learn at such a young age and then to add the complexities of abstract concepts such as imagination - it is difficult to comprehend. Despite all of this, a child develops a wonderful imagination and it is incredible to watch the journey.

Lately, Parker has started to pretend. When we were at the Children's Museum a couple of weeks ago, he began bringing me "food." He brought me empty plates and told me what I was eating (mostly pasta and juice). He now likes to make sure that he feeds his teddy bears and it is common to find one of his teddy bears in his high chair and the other in the bumbo. When he plays in his bedroom, he likes to have his teddy bears sit at his table with him so that they can do puzzles and read books too. He is beginning to learn how to tease and thinks that he is hilarious when he gives the wrong animal sound...i.e. "What does a monkey say?" and he will respond with "ruff, ruff...NO, meow...NO..., etc" He has even developed a fake laugh that he uses when he knows that he is teasing. He truly is developing quite the imagination.

Last week, I was making dinner in the other room and walked in to see this...

Yep, he was brushing his teddy bear's teeth. Luckily, I caught him right before he got the toothpaste because was was adamant that the bear needed toothpaste....instead a little water did the trick.

Whether it be whispering to himself, playing with his teddy bears and stuffed animals, or feeding me "food" we are having a great time. I am definitely loving the simplicity and joy that a 2 year old brings to my life!