Twirly Things

So, the funny thing is, that you buy your baby all kinds of cool toys that spin and flash and sing songs and count to ten in English and Spanish. But you set them in front of her and she goes for the keys or your cell phone or the remote control. Why is this? You can't let her play with these things! Keys are dirty, cell phones will get ruined by slobber, remote controls have some weird silver paint on them. But she doesn't want her toys! Help!
Well, never fear. Why do you think she wants the stuff you have instead of the cool stuff you got for her?
Because! She is watching you and sees that you are supremely interested in your cell phone and that the remote control is always in your hand. These things are obviously interesting to you and she wants to do what you are doing because she wants to learn from you. She imitates what you do in facial expressions and sounds, so why not when it comes to play things?
So.
Pick up her plastic twirly thing and turn it over in your hands. Tap it. Look at it and furrow your brow. In short, act like you are really interested in it. Play with it. After a while, you know what will happen? Your baby will grab it out of your hand and stick it in her mouth. Ha ha! Try it, it works!