Has your child or one in your care ever asked to be called by a different name? Sometimes, kids as young as 2 will tell us “I Kitty” or use a friend’s name, although it is usually a little older ones that will ask to be called by different name. This is part of social and emotional growth as children figure out who they are and ‘try on’ some one else. Kids are exploring their own and others’ identities. It’s a very important part of development and play.
Today, during a few play moments, suggest that you are someone or something else. If you need a quiet moment, you could be a chair and have to stay in one place. Ask your child who s/he wants to be. If you are very lucky, your child might be the chair and just sit there. Or you could be the phone and your child has to talk on you. You might decide to be Elmo and talk in a high voice. (I confess that sometimes when I needed to reach something that had rolled under the bed that I turned my kids into the vacuum and, complete with sound effects, had them get it out.) Yes, this play is all part of kindergarten readiness as you help your child learn and develop socially and emotionally. Plus, it’s kind of fun! Who will you be?