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Somewhere along the way we grow.
Building forts and climbing trees are replaced by jobs and responsibilities. We lose interest in playing and using our imagination. We find it difficult to live in the present moment because we let worry and planning consume our minds. But what if I told you that inside each of us there is an inner child waiting to come out and play?
Albert Einstein once said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination surrounds the world.”
Children understand that.
They live in the moment, create, explore and pretend. They view their world with wonder and enthusiasm. Why don’t we take the time to do the same?
This year, instead of socks, ties, or tools as a Father’s Day gift, I’ve decided to tap into my inner child and give something a little different.
I call it “An Adventure in a Box.” The perfect gift for parents!
What’s in it?
I grabbed this treasure box looking container and filled it with these items, most of which I bought at the dollar store or in the dollar section at Target. Get creative…those ropes you see are actually jump ropes that I cut the handles off of. And that treasure map is a piece of wrapping paper with burnt edges. And those marshmallow launchers are made of a PVC pipe and its preparation costs less than $2.00. Nothing too fancy here, folks. Anything goes.
Looking through my counselor glasses, I can’t help but think of all the benefits a child and parent can receive from playing adventures.
Allowing the child to participate in the journey and the story helps them feel like they have a voice and that their ideas matter. I encourage parents to let children take the lead during play as much as possible.
Not having a plan encourages imagination and being in the moment.
As adults, we could use the practice to let go of to-do lists and tackle them moment by moment.
That’s what an adventure is all about, right?
Exploring and discovering new things fuels the imagination and encourages children to ask and answer their own questions.
This fosters a love of learning.
Working together builds unity and bonds.
Using your environment in your story promotes creativity. Can you tell this is a bucket full of treasures?
Exploring their surroundings through binoculars helps them understand perspective.
Sitting on your shoulders makes them feel big and in charge.
Taking the time to sit down and have conversations at their level builds trust and encourages them to feel heard and loved.
I loved staying back and watching these two sit and enjoy their time together.
I couldn’t put down the binoculars!
After a great adventure, the child feels loved, heard and connected.
Give the Father’s Day gift that not only brings out that inner child, but also creates memories that will be written in their hearts for years to come.
What else would you put in your “Adventure Box”?
xo.
You can find more about me at: weedstowishes.com
