If we stand facing each other and write the number 9 between us, one person will see 9 and the other will see 6. The place we are in gives us a specific perspective and, consequently, determines what we see. It’s worth realising that not everyone sees, literally and figuratively, the world as we do.
Bird’s-eye view
Your children already have the experience of looking down on something: they climbed ladders in a playground or looked out the window from a high floor. Invite children to play. Imagine what your house might look like from high up. What would it look like if we peaked inside through the window? Or through a keyhole or a door left ajar? You can now choose one of these perspectives and draw it. What could such an observer think of you and your family? What do you do? How many family members are there?
Look through the eyes of a child
Growth alone determines what we can see. If we go to the forest or to the mountains, then a bush or a larger stone may obscure the view of a shorter person. What you see may therefore be completely invisible to your child. Also, if you get down to the child’s height at eye-level, what you didn’t notice before can be extremely interesting. When you go for a walk, try to look at the world through the eyes of your child. Remember this and when a child wants to show you something, squat and try to look at it from their perspective. Remember that even a shadow can be exciting or scary for your child. Don’t marginalise the matter by saying that there’s nothing to be afraid of. Instead, talk about how to tame this fear.