Photo Credit: © Can Stock Photo / EpicStockMedia
“Daddy, you be Simba, and I’ll be Nala,” says my almost 4-year-old daughter as I try for what feels like the hundredth time to get her to take a bite of her oatmeal. “OK, I’ll be Simba, but please come have a bite.” She interrupts, “But, Simba, but Simba, there are hyenas in the Pride Lands!”
If you either have a preschool-age child or have worked with them, this exchange likely sounds familiar. Whether the characters are from The Lion King, The Cat in the Hat, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, or any number of other popular children’s books or programs, playing a pretend role is a mainstay in interacting with young children. While these interactions may at times be a barrier to certain goals, like getting a child to eat, go out the door, or engage in a particular activity, they also provide an amazing glimpse into the mind of the child.
Getting To Know Them
Einstein said, “Play is the highest form of research,” and for me—both as a parent and youth-development professional—he could not be more correct. My goal for this month’s column is to remind the reader of this basic truth, and to add some perspective about what this seemingly simple revelation means for those of us who provide programs for preschool-age children.