I’m such a rube. I keep thinking children enjoy toys, but they don’t really. They like simple things than can act as springboards for their imagination. I was the same way as a kid. In fact, I’m the same way now. This weekend we bought various diversions and toys on a trip to the park but what was the most fun? How about some pink paper plates?
The play equipment in the background was okay, but the giant eucalyptus was much more intriguing. And nothing beats bare feet when it comes to tree climbing.
But wait, you must be curious about the pink face paint? Kitty stripes, painted on by a friend with marker. Maybe you can’t see the leopard dots on her arms and hands, but trust me, they were there in full washable-marker-goodness. So the next time you’re going to a park with a three-year old, just bring some paper plates, markers, and a hundred-year old eucalyptus.
Writer, architect, father, husband.
Granma always said, “Don’t waste your money on expensive toys. Just have lots of wooden spoons, various pots and pans and lots of lids to play with.” Granma knows best! Love the face painting!
If my toddler were net-savvy, he’d be here agreeing with you. 😀
That is so great that you have encouraged her imagination. Years ago my family had gone on vacation with another family with much younger kids. We were in Cape Cod at the beach for a week. The younger kids were incredibly bored without all their electronic toys and all. I remember thinking, heck, we’re at the beach! Go collect some shells. Build a sand castle. Ride the waves. But no. All we heard all week was ‘I’m bored’. I don’t get that.