Kids imitate the darndest things

It has been well known for generations that one of the most prominent ways children learn is through imitation. A child will imitate their mother or father to learn basic skills such as language, social functioning, and behavioral norms. It seems pretty intuitive that a kid will pick up on what is around them in their environment. I do find it strange then, that children seem to exhibit so many of the same habits despite the culture they grow up in. After having been around American children, there are a number of behaviors that seem common. Playing 'guns' is a very common game among young boys. In the states this is attributed to watching too much violent T.V. How then do you explain Rwandan children playing the same game when they have no exposure to television? And in a country that probably has no knowledge of Superman or other caped crusaders, capes are both known and a great use for one of Mom's extra blankets. Even though it is probably not so much a cultural phenomenon but more a musical one, banging on pots crosses the seas and entertains the smaller ones in Rwanda as well. Walking in adult's shoes and trying on their hats will always provide entertainment regardless of their origins. Working in my garden I have realized two things; first that American kids would most likely not race to join you in pulling weeds, but secondly, kids will always be thrilled with the small jobs as long as they are included. Picking out rocks and throwing them off to the side kept one little one busy while we were digging my garden. Granted many of the rocks never hit their mark and ended up back in the upturned soil, but she persisted, following us around the entire plot. And finally, mainly because I would love to know what they are thinking, the way children are fascinated with any baby smaller than themselves, be it a month or more. Both in America and Rwanda, and I'm sure most other places, children love other babies. Maybe they don't perceive themselves to be that small and therefore don't know how something that tiny can be alive, but kids are forever trying to reach out and grab other babies. So, be in across states or across continents, kids tend to pick up much more than we give them credit for and somehow end up with surprisingly similar mannerisms.