To balance my whining post, I wanted to share something that I'm finding makes a HUGE difference in my 3yo's behavior and that we enjoy immensely. She has hit the play pretend years just lately and roleplays absolutely constantly. I grew up storytelling on the fly, roleplaying in college, and doing my share of make believe as a kid, so I stepped right in to participate without thinking twice. When she wanted two imaginary friends over, I'd supply that they'd brought a cake or flowers or a toy, and I'd prompt her on how to be a good hostess. We've used it to try out new ways of dealing with anger (do you have to hit the dragon, or can you be friends?), to create safe havens, to practice social skills, and so on. I've also shamelessly used it to reconnect when we've had a falling out. For her the thought really counts, a pretend present is as good as the real deal. (Downside: DH didn't get it and "took away" a "present" she tried to give him when he was initiating a serious discipline talk and she broke into tears. Recently I gave her a purple tea cake after a bad falling out, and she threw it against the wall. Later she seemed to have forgotten about throwing it against the wall, and went to pick it up from the cupboard, aka my computer, and when I misinterpreted her andn closed the computer, she bawled. At least there was no clean up.)
I just thought some people might try it out.
I just thought some people might try it out.
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I love make believe! I hope my dd does, too! That's neat that you figured that out with your dd!
