Note: My sighting of playful defiance came with some very harsh language that I avoid here at Playvolution HQ, but I’ve decided to include it as I heard it. If you want to avoid reading what I heard, now’s the time to click away. Consider yourself warned.
Picture a lightly used public outdoor space; a woman sitting on a bench is the caregiver of two energetic toddlers.
The toddlers, all smiles and bustle, play quietly around the bench.
“Sit your fucking asses down! Don’t make me tell you again!” From a fair distance away, her anger and volume shook me.
One toddler sits. For a second. The other, demonstrating a bit of playful defiance, crawls under the bench, grabbing treasure of some sort.
“Get up here you little fuck!”
Seeking a better look at the treasure, the seated toddler slides off the bench to investigate, a look of playful defiance on her face.
“You motherfucker! Don’t make me beat your Goddamn ass. SIT DOWN, both of you.”
Both toddlers crawl under the bench in search of more treasure.
Playful Defiance Wrap Up
Children are hardwired to move, play, and explore. Adults are not always willing or able to support that. They sometimes lack the necessary knowledge. Sometimes they just don’t have the patience or the emotional energy. That doesn’t change children’s wiring. No matter how lacking an adult is in knowledge, patience, or emotional energy, children will still play–even if that play means defying an angry adult.
FYI: I hovered nearby in case her violent words turned to violent actions. A few moments later, a car pulled up, the woman’s face registered relief, and they crawled in and drove away.
Another Note: The drawing in this post’s featured image was created by Canva text-to-image AI.
Contribute content to Playvolution HQ
Brought to you by Explorations Early Learning
Browse Trainings
Jeff Johnson is an early learning trainer, podcaster, and author who founded Explorations Early Learning, Playvolution HQ, and Play Haven.
In-Person And Online Training
Learn how to book an in-person or online training for your organization on these early learning topics.
Support The Site
I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees
by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites.
Thanks To Our Patrons
This post was made possible by patrons like these, who generously fund our work:
Supporters
Lissadell Greene Stephanie Goloway
Lagina Kozak Michelle Hankins
Marie Messinger Tamara L. Lakin
Fans
Jen Flemming Lizz Nolasco
Susan Warner Kelly Sigalove
Vittoria Jimerson Codee Gilbert
Monica Morrell Pam Soloman Melissa Franklin
Teresa Watson Erika Felt Autumn Peele
Melissa Taylor Jahmeela Robinson
Amber Maurina Terra Calamari Anne Jackson
Lagina Kozak Samantha Yeager-Cheevers
Elizebeth McCoy Sammy Cousens Ellen Cogan
Leave a Reply