Imagination.

Play.

Do kids have a monopoly on these?

Have we forgotten how to use our imagination? Do we take time to play?

How often are we immersed in something so entertaining that we lose all track of time; something that distracts us from our adult world?

Can we allow ourselves to do this without kids involved or does that just feel silly & frivolous?

I feel like I somehow missed out on learning some of these kid skills. Maybe you can relate.

Yes, I’m always up for an adventure, exploring & learning. But my practical side doesn’t feel grounded unless I’ve got at least one foot firmly planted in reality, At. All. Times. No total immersion in play for me.

So, where does imagination and play develop? What influences its development and determines how we express it?

I was the oldest child in my ranch / farm family; the only girl. My toys included several Barbie dolls with an extensive wardrobe, vehicles, animals, camping set ... you get the idea. But all those (except for one poor Barbie I gave a buzz cut!) were still like new, unused, when my daughter started playing with them 2 dozen years later. There were no neighbor kids nearby, and we didn’t hang out in town. Whenever possible, I was outdoors with the farm animals or riding & hiking the many miles of hilly pasture in my backyard, but again, not much for imaginary play. Dad built us a cool playhouse. I recall some little plastic dishes and kitchen toys, but I didn’t spend much time there. We seldom watched TV or movies, and I still rarely do. What I did love were the worlds that existed between book covers, getting lost in the adventures while reading, yet even that didn’t translate into my play & imagination.

It wasn’t until I was a parent, observing kids’ interactions with their toys & their friends, that I became aware that I might be lacking in this department. It leaves me wondering if I’ve somehow not fully developed my playful side, my imagination, those skills that should’ve started when I was a child. Could the rural isolation, only girl-child, little screen time elements factor into this? It wasn’t for lack of toys or time or stories. Could my practical side just find it too far a stretch to allow this kind of creativity? An example comes to mind: while attending a regional meeting for librarians (yes, I was one of those too! – dream job for an avid reader, right?!!) we spent time in a storytelling workshop. This was an awkward situation for me. I was faced with trying to participate from a headspace of almost zero fictional imagination. Another aha moment.

I love spending time with kids.

I’m infected and inspired by their energy; fascinated by their imagination. I listen with awe at the plots, characters and worlds they create as they play. Just the fact that they narrate their imaginary scenes out loud intrigues me, not to mention their apparent lack of any self-consciousness in sharing these. I’ve witnessed this repeatedly in solo and group play, impressed how they negotiate and problem-solve, build and plot. Where does all that come from? Why did I not play this way? Has it always been this way with children through the ages? How much does watching TV & movies influence their creativity? Are they re-enacting what they’ve already viewed, but with their own spin on it?

My children are adults now, but I am blessed to have a grandson & pre-teen step-daughters, all with very active imaginations! I am so, so fortunate to be surrounded with the creativity that unfolds when kids play. As I observe this again, with more life experience and a lot of self-discovery behind me, I am inspired to find that child inside me and help her learn this play thing, to set her imagination free. There are abundant opportunities for this. Like the awesome treehouse we built the kids this summer at the ranch. The girls & their cousin came up with the perfect name for their treehouse gang of 3, the “Tree Amigos”!! Many plots & scenarios unfolded around that huge tree & there will be many more to come. I am always thrilled & so impressed when they are doing anything away from screens. And the adults are always welcome to participate!

I have looked for opportunities to step out of my comfort zone & practice using my imagination for fictional play. And just as is often the case, once I put it out there to the universe, an opportunity soon presents itself.

I was recently tucking my toddler grandson into bed when he requested a story. I proceeded to spin a tall tale that went on for almost 20 minutes, however, he showed no signs of getting sleepy. I’d incorporated every forest animal I could think of, and finally wrapped it up and said “The End”. He had listened, enraptured, for the entire story, but was sound asleep shortly after I declared it done. When his parents returned later that evening, I learned that he’s quite satisfied with a 2 minute story and waits to hear “The End” before drifting off …. hahaha! Lesson learned! But I also had a storytelling therapy session compliments of his request. And maybe Bobbie Bear will appear again with his forest gang in future installments! Then today, he invited me to build train tracks, to which I replied “I don’t think I’m a very good train track builder.” His thoughtful response? “Oh, you’re a good train track builder Oma. Just come and try. I know you can do it.” Now, how can you say “No” to an adorable little 2 year old cheerleader, so full of encouragement, who apparently has more faith in my play skills than I do??!

How are your play skills? Do you use your imagination often? When was the last time you flexed your storytelling muscles? Or built a train track, Lego structure or snowman? Please comment, below, or email me and share your thoughts on all this!

I believe Liz Gilbert had it right – Eat, Pray, Love. But I think it’s also important to Breathe. Relax. PLAY!!

Meet you at the swings!

xo Deena