The Fascination of Play

Daniel is an explorer. He is endlessly curious about the world around him, touching and tasting his way through the house on a daily basis. His favorite toys are those which open and close. He delights in manipulating switches and latches, and runs his fingers over anything even closely resembling a power button. I find Daniel's play habits fascinating. I could sit and watch him for hours as he makes sense of what he sees and feels.

His current obsession is the old-school play kitchen at Mommy and Me. I couldn't lure him away from there last week.
He must have opened and closed the oven and refrigerator a thousand times -- just like he does at home! I watched him methodically put items in and take them out. He seemed to have his own rationale to the way things should be. I could practically see his amazing brain at work. There's nothing like his reaction when he recognizes a cause and effect relationship for the first time. He pushes a button and a weasel pops out of the hole. He holds down the handle on the toy teapot and it whistles. His whole face lights up with understanding. "I did it!"

What is perhaps most fascinating is the intent with which he plays. He always has a goal in mind. Put all of the balls in the basket. Open and close the door until it makes a squeaking sound. Or, in the case of the toy kitchen, put all of the food away. In its proper place, of course! He IS my child, after all.