Mimicry milestones
Once your child is three and a half you'll probably notice that they get chattier by the day. A key milestone in their development now is imitation. They are beginning to notice differences in the ways in which people communicate - how their tone of voice changes; and will begin to experiment for themselves too.
You may notice them now supplying dialogue for their toys when they are at play - e.g. high voices for babies, powerful voices for superheroes and son on.
You may also be surprised to hear them imitating adult conversations too!
What's this all about?
Beginning to understand the nuances of communication is a key development for your child. It demonstrates that they are beginning to better understand the world in which they live in.
It also demonstrates emotional development, as your child is becoming more aware of the people in their lives and how they relate to one another. Imitation is a key part of growing up - you'll doubtlessly remember that before communicating in recognisable language your child would often mimic your tone.
It also shows development in terms of imaginative play. Your child is able to create their own little world with various characters and act out situations.
All sounds lovely, right? Well, the downside is, from now time to time this mimicry can cause problems. Copying the speech of others can from time to time cause offence.
How should you handle it?
You need to remember that more often than not your child did not intend to cause offence. When a child gains a new skill, they delight in practising it, however you may need to remind them that sometimes their actions can hurt other people's feelings, and that mimicking people can upset them.
Now more than ever, you'll also need to be aware that your child is likely to repeat what you've said. This can cause problems!
"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."
-James Arthur Baldwin
Therefore be very careful about what you say in front of your child. Feel like venting? Perhaps save it for later; once your little one's fast asleep in bed. It will save your blushes and hasty exclamations of "I don't know where they pick these things up from."
Play & Pretend
Imaginative play is great for children's development. At Perform we play a game called hot seating to help children learn to develop characters through play. Why not it try it at home?
