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Spontaneous and expressive - A unique sense of humor - A strong desire for independence - An animated fantasy life - A free thinking daydreamer
A young mother shared the following observation of her 14 month old daughter. She wondered what if anything her daughter's behavior displayed. My daughter babbles, on and on, to her father when he comes home from work. What I find so amusing is that she will stop midway into a "babble sentence" and laugh. Then she continues with her babble story. What this didn't didn't realize was that her daughter was expressing a very unique and spontaneous sense of humor. In her own way, she not only conversed with her father, but she also added humor. My advice to this young mother was to laugh when her daughter did. This not only would reinforce her daughter's developing self-image positively, but it would also encourage social communication. The joke the young child told will remain a "creative expression" only she will know! It seems that television and videos or DVDs are the main influence in a child's fantasy development. Watch your child at play. Who does he become? Does he talk or act out like a character in a cartoon? Do his actions and play adventures mimic those of a TV character? First applaud yourself if your child is able to "play" by himself. It always amazes me when I hear a parent tell a young child to "go play". Remember that play is a learned action. Someone or something teaches a child how to "play"! Instead of the TV or other entertainment alternative, teach your child the art of playing! Reading to your child is one way. However, when it comes to play and fantasy, you should become his physical "playmate". Get on the floor and become a part of his developing fantasy play world. This interaction will not only help him learn how to play, but through play you have the ability to encourage positive behavior , begin to teach a lasting value system, and become a reliable observer. Daydreams and their dreamers are so special! If you have an honest play relationship with your child, then you have earned the right to share in his daydreams. Get excited about her ideas! Let her know that it is all right to be a dreamer. However, it is also acceptable for you to explain to your child that before she could "really" realize a unique idea, she must understand the reality of her dream. In other words, if your child daydreams about a "new" form of transportation, he must also realize what he must know and understand before his dream can become reality. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Creative Expression in Parenting a Gifted Child is owned by Peggy Kord. Permission to republish Creative Expression in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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