| If We Could Only Imagine |
|
TThe presents are opened, and the wrapping paper is all gathered up and thrown in the trash. Everyone is excited with all the new stuff they have to play with. Even the dog got to bury a new toy in the garden. Now it’s time for eating the leftovers, discretely disposing of the fruitcake, and declaring allegiance to yet another strict diet. It is also a time for working out how to store the old stuff so we can fit in the new stuff. Here is a thought about kids’ toys. Decide on a total number of toys each child should have available at any one time. Our suggestion is one very small box full (say 3 to 6 toys). Let the child decide which new toys will go in the toy box and which old or new ones will be stored for a month. Research has shown that the less toys kids have, the more imagination they use. With all the technology available today it is easy to see that there is very little need for kids to invent their own games and fun. We really need to capture that inventive spirit in our children, not only so they can have more fun as kids, but also, so they can become innovative and creative adults. I heard an inspiring story once about Winifred Atwell, the world-renowned pianist. It is said that, as a child, her parents could not afford to buy her a piano so she drew the keys on a tabletop and practiced on that. I consider that to be a pretty innovative way to have fun and achieve a goal, without the initial means to do it. How can we know what our kids have a flare for if we don’t get involved in their play? Kids will always remember fun times with parents. So, instead of throwing away all those Christmas boxes, cartons, ribbons etc, what about helping them build castles and forts inside the house on cold days? Bring out the sheets, cushions, and blankets and help them make tunnels and tents. You can even suggest they make up little plays or stories and give you a concert. These are the times adults remember about their childhood. A year down the track your kids will probably not even recall the presents they received this Christmas. What a wonderful gift we give our kids when we spend active time with them. One day we were walking along the beach with our then 26-year-old daughter, when she told us she remembered us walking along the beach when she was a little girl. We would count 1,2,3 and say, “WEEEEE!” as we swung her off her little feet and landed her gently back to the sand. We decided then and there to try it again. This time it didn’t work. The lead up did, but the swing? No way. We used to have a band and were hired to entertain campers in holiday parks during the summer. Our kids came and our 10-year-old daughter would sing on stage as part of the concert. She would gather a bigger crowd than we did! Many times since she has reminisced, saying she wishes she could do that all again. By now I think you know what I am trying to say. After Christmas, turn off the TV, close down the computer and video games and allow your kids to engage in free play. Encourage them to read. Give them books instead of the growing mountain of toys and media games. By reading more your children will discover their imaginative streak and find fulfillment in that. Give your kids more memories, not more things, and save yourself a lot of money in the process. It is also a time for working out how to store the old stuff so we can fit in the new stuff. Here is a thought about kids’ toys. Decide on a total number of toys each child should have available at any one time. Our suggestion is one very small box full (say 3 to 6 toys). Let the child decide which new toys will go in the toy box and which old or new ones will be stored for a month. Research has shown that the less toys kids have, the more imagination they use. With all the technology available today it is easy to see that there is very little need for kids to invent their own games and fun. We really need to capture that inventive spirit in our children, not only so they can have more fun as kids, but also, so they can become innovative and creative adults. I heard an inspiring story once about Winifred Atwell, the world-renowned pianist. It is said that, as a child, her parents could not afford to buy her a piano so she drew the keys on a tabletop and practiced on that. I consider that to be a pretty innovative way to have fun and achieve a goal, without the initial means to do it. How can we know what our kids have a flare for if we don’t get involved in their play? Kids will always remember fun times with parents. So, instead of throwing away all those Christmas boxes, cartons, ribbons etc, what about helping them build castles and forts inside the house on cold days? Bring out the sheets, cushions, and blankets and help them make tunnels and tents. You can even suggest they make up little plays or stories and give you a concert. These are the times adults remember about their childhood. A year down the track your kids will probably not even recall the presents they received this Christmas. What a wonderful gift we give our kids when we spend active time with them. One day we were walking along the beach with our then 26-year-old daughter, when she told us she remembered us walking along the beach when she was a little girl. We would count 1,2,3 and say, “WEEEEE!” as we swung her off her little feet and landed her gently back to the sand. We decided then and there to try it again. This time it didn’t work. The lead up did, but the swing? No way. We used to have a band and were hired to entertain campers in holiday parks during the summer. Our kids came and our 10-year-old daughter would sing on stage as part of the concert. She would gather a bigger crowd than we did! Many times since she has reminisced, saying she wishes she could do that all again. By now I think you know what I am trying to say. After Christmas, turn off the TV, close down the computer and video games and allow your kids to engage in free play. Encourage them to read. Give them books instead of the growing mountain of toys and media games. By reading more your children will discover their imaginative streak and find fulfillment in that. Give your kids more memories, not more things, and save yourself a lot of money in the process. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
WHOSE WILL WINS?
BLENDED FAMILIES:
PARENT OR PAL?
