The article explores the author's experiences with his son James, emphasizing the profound power of music on young children. From introducing reggae to observing James's panic at discordant sounds, the narrative captures James's unique emotional reactions. As he grows, the author's observations about James's atypical movement, especially when excited, highlight the idiosyncratic ways children interact with their environment. The outings to a river, where James plays with stones, further illustrate the pure joy and subsequent frustration he feels during playtime, affirming the complexities of emotional expression in early childhood.
James's face is suddenly filled with an expression of absolute panic; he screams in protest at the music, which I instantly know I have to turn off.
When he is happy or excited, he flaps his arms sometimes so animatedly that the effort required completely consumes him; everyone notices this.
No matter how long we stay by the river, the suggestion that it is time to leave is always met with a burst of rage and upset.
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