Recently, on an extended walk on the beach, I was attacked by an adorable pink shark. The fact that the shark was pink was nearly as surprising as the attack taking place nearly 20 feet inland.

Striding along, observing the world, I saw it on the beach, busily digging in the sand. I wasn’t alarmed since it appeared to be focused on its task. I was sure I could nonchalantly creep past without incident. That didn’t happen.

My passing shadow caught the eye of the adorable pink shark. She stopped digging, looked up at me, extended her sand-caked claws, and fiercely roared, “I’m going to eat you!”

I lept back in horror, a look of impending danger on my face.

The adorable pink shark giggled, eyes sparkling, and said, “Not really, I’m just a kid.”

I smiled and told her I was relieved I was not going to be eaten by a shark.

Her parents, a few feet away with bemused looks, shrugged. “She’s been a shark since she got that thing,” Mom explained. “Never gets in the water with it. I don’t think it’s ever been wet.” Dad added.

Adorable Pink Shark Wrap Up

Play props, whether full-face snorkel masks, cardboard-tube lightsabers, or yellow construction paper Wonderwoman wristbands, are often symbols of power. Even while busily playing with the sand, this four-year-old was in character as a hungry shark, ready to devour any approaching prey. Because they generally have so little real power, power play is a common play theme for young children. They take on the personas of powerful characters like Mom, Batman, and Shark.

Sometimes this play is supported in early learning settings. Pretending to be a mom, princess, or doctor is usually OK. Play as other powerful characters (vampires, ninjas, superheroes) frequently gets redirected or banned. Deciding what’s allowed and not allowed is up to the preferences, biases, and whims of the adults in charge. Being an adorable pink shark may be fine, but don’t you dare be a menacing cartoon villain with a laser blaster. Another option would be to do away with the gatekeeping and trust children to decide which powerful characters they wanted to emulate in their dramatic play.

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