Should I Allow My Child to Act Like a Dog?
Children like to act like dogs and other animals. I have three children, so I understand this first hand. Some parents are embarrassed by their kids when they behave like a dog, cat or horse. Other parents scold their children in an effort to get them to stop. So, should children be allowed to act like dogs? The short answer is yes. Kids should be given the freedom to act like animals as long as they follow certain rules.
Pretending Exercises the Imagination
When children pretend, it exercises their imagination and increases their creativity. Whether they are pretending to be pirates, princesses or animals, they are using their imagination. This behavior should be encouraged, not discouraged, and these actions are neither abnormal nor weird. The imagination is used for writing stories by authors and aids in acting by actors and actresses. It is also used by artists and musicians. Exercising the imagination by using it regularly is a good thing.
Acting Allows Children to be Children
Children are not adults, nor should they be expected to act like adults. Children enjoy pretending to be animals. My daughter asks me to purchase her from the pet store. She tells me her pet name and shows me the tricks she can do. I think it is absolutely adorable. Kids pretend when they play with dolls and action figures. When children act like animals, it should not be treated any differently than if they were pretending to be a Barbie or a super hero. Enjoy your children while they are at an age where fantasy is fun, because they will outgrow it.
Children Should be Expected to Follow Certain Rules
Children should be allowed to creatively express themselves while following certain rules. During play time by themselves or with friends, they should be allowed to pretend they are animals. They should not be allowed to lick people that don't want to be licked while they are pretending to be dogs or cats. When eating at a restaurant, children should be expected to eat like people rather than animals. Good table manners should also be taught at home. Children need to understand there is a time to play and a time to be serious.
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Published by Rebecca Bardelli - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle and Sports
Rebecca is a freelance writer who is passionate about writing. She has been writing for enjoyment most of her life. She has content published on Yahoo News, Yahoo omg!, and Yahoo Sports. She also took j... View profile
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12 Comments
Post a Commentthis is great! my 4 year old loves to be a dog. she calls herself "peace sign doggie". dont know how that came to be but at least i can get "peace sign doggie" to do what my 4 year old is asked to do!
Sometimes when I ask our granddaughter a question she does not want to answer, she just meows. When I change the subject, she starts talking like a person again.
My daughter did this and she turned out fine!!
Great parenting!
Acceptable as long as it doesn't get out of hand and that the parent sets the parameters. Childred should definitely be able to let their imaginations soar.
Nice article, I have 3 little ones as well and we play all of the time..pretty big on self experession here :) We did have to get firmer with our little one when she tried to lick random people because she was a doggy, but she was fine once we explained it:) it always drives me nuts to see parents limiting self expression, I've even overheard a mother call her child a "weirdo" gets my blood boiling...PICK YOUR BATTLES! :)
Interesting subject for an article. You always come up with more!
My husband use to go nuts when I would allow my son to wear rain boots, shorts and a six-shooter on his hip, to the grocery store. It wasn't until I showed my husband a picture of himself wearing almost the exact same thing in a store, as a kid, that he relaxed. LOL! Now I'm trying to teach my husband the difference in self expression and letting the kids go out looking like slobs. Too funny! But yes, there is a limit.
Good tips on a topic parents often don't know how to handle.
Great article. I agree with your statement "children should be allowed to be children"....they grow up so fast---no need to rush them. They also need to learn boundaries-----Life is full of "rules".....
Good job