All it Takes is a Little Imagination
My daughters reminded me that I fit into the category of a mommy that loved when her kids used their imaginations. I applauded their creativity. I applauded when they wanted to go outside and play or play inside with toys and not watch tv or play video games.
I wasn't the kind of mommy that didn't want them to get dirty. In fact, they had play clothes for that very reason. Being that our yard was a 1/2 an acre, there was plenty of dirt to stick to them.
One day, they dug a hole and filled it up with water. Not knowing what they intended to do, I watched as they literally splashed around in it like little pigs. To them, the elation on their face let me know that they could care less what anyone else thought...it was FUN!
Another time, as they "cooked" with their sticks and dandelion flowers, I gave them each an egg to complete their "recipe". The joy on their faces that I was willing to give them each an egg to "waste" I mean, crack was just priceless.
When they were 6 and 7, they went through an "ice skating" stage. Although we didn't own an ice rink, they put on their slippery socks, turned on the Nutcracker Suite and slid and twirled around for hours. Finally, when they felt that they had perfected their routine, they did an actual performance for me and their dad.
Another time, when the youngest was learning how to vault in gymnastics, she took on the role of showing her sister how to vault as well. But that meant, the sofa was the vault and she would start by the front door and with a running leap, vault over the couch, onto cushions.
Other times, being that I homeschooled them for almost 12 years, we would go thing finding. We would take long walks while they each carried a small bag to collect some things that they found interesting. I remember one of them found a broken hot wheel. Their assignment was to write about who the hot wheel possibly belonged to and how it got where it was found.
I cherish those memories. More than anything, I'm blessed that they used their imaginations to really enjoy being kids.
I wasn't the kind of mommy that didn't want them to get dirty. In fact, they had play clothes for that very reason. Being that our yard was a 1/2 an acre, there was plenty of dirt to stick to them.
One day, they dug a hole and filled it up with water. Not knowing what they intended to do, I watched as they literally splashed around in it like little pigs. To them, the elation on their face let me know that they could care less what anyone else thought...it was FUN!
Another time, as they "cooked" with their sticks and dandelion flowers, I gave them each an egg to complete their "recipe". The joy on their faces that I was willing to give them each an egg to "waste" I mean, crack was just priceless.
When they were 6 and 7, they went through an "ice skating" stage. Although we didn't own an ice rink, they put on their slippery socks, turned on the Nutcracker Suite and slid and twirled around for hours. Finally, when they felt that they had perfected their routine, they did an actual performance for me and their dad.
Another time, when the youngest was learning how to vault in gymnastics, she took on the role of showing her sister how to vault as well. But that meant, the sofa was the vault and she would start by the front door and with a running leap, vault over the couch, onto cushions.
Other times, being that I homeschooled them for almost 12 years, we would go thing finding. We would take long walks while they each carried a small bag to collect some things that they found interesting. I remember one of them found a broken hot wheel. Their assignment was to write about who the hot wheel possibly belonged to and how it got where it was found.
I cherish those memories. More than anything, I'm blessed that they used their imaginations to really enjoy being kids.
Comments
You have a fun~filled day stirred up and shaken down with blessings!!!
that was so enjoyable to be back in the moment of pure innocent childhood.
I hope my children have good memories of their childhood? sometimes I think they only remember the moments of being in trouble? I brought out pictures and we enjoyed remembering when they were little!!
time rushes so quickly...
thanks for the smile and the stroll
"Ummm. What?"
"Machine Washable!"
And it is. They are. And that's what being a mom, to me, is all about. No frills...just git in there with it!
:-)
I think parents today have forgotten that the best things don't come from a store!!
Things are not good in today's society, with all the reliance on television, video, computers, and parents who feel guilty not spending time with their children, and trying to make up for it by buying them crap.
Your memories are so special. Feel proud that you did it right!
It's too bad that kids today are so "scheduled." I look back on those free unscheduled days with warmth.
Thank you.
These are memories that we cherish. Now they are grown and have children of their own so, they get to experience it to.
Have a good one
Yes, allowing your children to get dirty and explore sure beats the heck out of the activities of today's kids which usually includes sitting either at the computer or in front of the TV.
:]