“Hmmm…where can I hide?” he stated out loud to himself, before slipping into a small space between two pieces of furniture.
While on many occasions, the children hid while I was watching so as to reveal their location. At other times, they moved quickly ahead of me hiding conspicuously in places before I entered the room.
Trying to fit into small hiding places added an element of excitement. Robert attempted to show me how he fit in a special place under his bed. He positioned himself on his hands and knees, moaning as he tried to get under the low railing. Next, he stuck his feet under first and ducked down using his arms to pull himself underneath. Unsuccessful, he rolled onto his belly and looked up with uncertainty, still attempting to pull himself under the bed. He smiled, with a silly grin, before finally attempting head first, laying flat on his belly. Quietly, he stood up, giving up his quest.
Robert’s mother was surprised by his behavior and choice of place. Indeed, the space under his bed was not intended for his use. Perhaps, through choosing to crawl into this space, Robert was demonstrating his need to claim a space of his own.