I've become interested in evolutionary psychology. Not at all expert, but when one considers the survivability of children in ancient (pre-historic) environments, seems logical that children increased the likelihood of survival by mimicking the adults they see; figuring out how to do the basics like feeding themselves, finding a safe place to sleep, taking cover during inclement weather, and generally assimilating adult behavior. The sooner they learned these skills, the better their chance of survival if they became separated from adults. Evolution selected for such behaviors.
That conclusion is a thought experiment, and I haven't dug up scientific evidence, so an anecdote: I once came home from work to find my 6 year old daughter in my closet. She had put on one of my shirts, a tie and my shoes. She was holding an old briefcase. When she saw me, she said, "daddy, let's go do some business!". I believe that kids have a genetically driven need to emulate their parents and that need is rooted in evolution and is much more profound than we realize. Regrettably, the modern parenting and schooling systems squelch that need.
Here's another anecdote: http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2012/07/02/12070...
I told her not to move and dashed for the camera. Then we talked about what she wanted to sell (ice cream) and who she wanted to sell it to (people from Germany [I was traveling there frequently at the time]).
I work from home when not traveling and we still talk about customers, partners and even some of the challenges that come up and what we're doing about them. Not sure exactly how it will manifest when she is an adult, but I am certain some good will come of the exposure.
You are absolutely right, don't discard those moments.
Thanks for the reply! I read an interesting story here on HN about a father who helped his daughter set up her own business with a gumball machine. Here it is, DanielBMarkham: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3168077
The parent story is also interesting. It seems like a good way to teach your children about a part of the world. I would prefer something other than soda or gumballs, though. ;)
