It turns out that on a subconscious level, the child sees mother and dad in an unexpected way. Mother for the baby is the wellspring of vital warmth. Dad is a wellspring of solidarity, an older companion who is able to share this power, endlessly shield from any life’s adversities. Apparently, dads feel this state of affairs intuitively. And that is the reason their games are always so lively, with going around, whining, squealing and laughing.

Perhaps dad won’t be too keen on gathering a pyramid with a baby or getting liners for frames. But dad is unlikely to decline to play ball with the baby.

The baby needs not just affectionate and delicate games with his mother, but also assertive, portable, even marginally aggressive “male” games. And regardless of whether dad starts playing the usual “find the stowaway” with the baby or simply carries him in his arms, he will do it in something else entirely than mother. In its own way, in a special way, which will advance the experience of the child, give him totally new sensations and impressions …

Why not arrange an interesting competition? Precisely interesting, because genuine ones are not yet for the baby. He actually doesn’t have the foggiest idea how to lose with dignity. And assuming that dad always gets an option that could be preferable over him, he will certainly be disturbed. Therefore, we play not for the sake of winning, but rather for the sake of tomfoolery.