Having a toddler has taught me many lessons. But the one I return to again and again is that often we need to be taught how to play. When I introduced Jack to play dough, I plopped the play dough onto his highchair tray and watched. He watched me back. It dawned on me that he had no idea what to do with this green lump. So I sat down and taught him how to poke it, smash it, and roll it into snakes. (He tried to show me how to eat it, but I was too smart for that.) Now, just a few play dough sessions later, he's a pro and can entertain himself for a good 15 minutes. He still eats it though. At least I got him to stop stuffing it into his ear.
So today, I taught Jack how to jump in puddles. Granted, there wasn't much teaching required, since I think kids have a natural inclination to stomp and bounce in any standing water they encounter. Still, it was a delight to watch him as he realized that I was going to let him get wet, and cheer as he slapped that puddle with his new rain boots. This was a concrete puddle (in the street, no less. I took my kid to play in the middle of the road! I know! I know! At least we live on a Dead End). I'm leaving the mud puddle for a different day.
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