We have just returned from three days away, camping, with friends. Three days full of fun, sunshine and play. Three days without access to screens, wifi or a houseful of toys.
It was wonderful. It was refreshing. It was just what we all needed. And the kids had the best time. Ever.
I know that because they told me so.
What their favourite part of the trip was; what they loved, what they couldn’t wait to do again. What had been fun and exciting. The words tumbling out in their eagerness to talk.
I can’t remember the last time they had such an extended period of unstructured play time. And, while we did do several activities over the three days, visiting a museum, going to the beach, canoeing, fishing, mini golf… the rest of the time the kids played.
With whatever they could find, and a lot of imagination.
It didn’t happen immediately though. The first afternoon was filled with many a what can we do now?
Without all their toys and devices at their disposal, they almost seemed at a bit of a loss.
And that made me feel a little sad, and a little guilty.
I do a lot with the kids. I take them places, I do crafts with them, I set up activities for them, I suggest games. I bake, I make and I create.
I organise them.
But, the past few days have shown me that perhaps I organise them too much. That I should interfere less, and let them be bored more.
Because, when left to their own devices they found plenty to do.
They dug holes, they filled buckets with sand, they built things and found pretty rocks. They played tag and ran in circles. They buried each other at the beach. They created elaborate role-play games with rules only they understood. They played in the mud and they got grubby. Extremely grubby!
Just as it should be.
I chose this prompt because I love the quote and this summer has been such fun. Writing about play seemed like a perfect topic as we come to the end of our vacation. I had planned a post on the joy of watching my children play, something I have had the pleasure of doing so much this holiday.
Seeing the three play together, hearing them laugh together, it’s right up there on my list of best things. Ever.
But, as I watched them these last few days I witnessed the real truth of this quote. The ability to play, unhindered and with complete freedom of imagination, is indeed a talent. One that needs honing and practicing as much as any other talent.
In my constant worry that they don’t have enough fun, that I don’t spend enough time with them, that they might be bored, I suspect I overcompensate.
I wrote last week about craving simplicity in my own life. I think perhaps my children need some too.
You can find this weeks #ThePrompt linky here. I do hope this week’s prompt inspired you; I look forward to reading your posts.
I am so glad you and the kids had such agreat time. I totally understand ht epanic you’re at firs tin when you’re without your devices or structuring toys/activities. It’s great though how they improvised.
It was really wonderful to see them play so well together :)
Your sentiment rings so true. Many think boredom is a hindrance to kids, but I think the opposite. Before wifi and video games, before the era of smart phones and tablets, kids had to fend for themselves for play (I know because I was one of those kids!). They didn’t have much in means of taking entertaining themselves, just an active mind and a vivid imagination. And sometimes that all we need.
This a great reminder to go back to those times. Because as much technology as they are exposed to in this day and age, it’s a talent to be able to unplug and just let the mind wander. However they want, wherever they want. And that is the essence of your beautiful Emerson quote you provided us this week.
Thank you for hosting us, and for sharing another beautiful piece. Have a great weekend :)
I have absolutely no problem with technology, it is important and teaches them a huge amount. Our kids have access to more than we could have dreamed of, but the ability to unlock their imaginations is so important.
I think it’s a difficult balance to get, it certainly sounds it; you don’t want kids to be bored and have to play alone all the time but equally they do need time to use their imagination and learn to amuse themselves.
Sounds like the camping trip has helped you find the balance, and have lots of fun in the process
It is a very hard balance, harder than I had realised. Camping was fabulous!
Oh Sara, reading this post has made me feel so happy. Most children today choose technology over play, which I find sad. But as parents, we can show them the delights to be had in imaginative play like this…play which came naturally to us as kids. Wonderful post! X
It really was wonderful to watch Tracy, and just got better as the days went on :)
Every few years we pay big money and go on a nice beach vacation. Other years we camp for our vacation. The kids rave about camping and always say they have the best time when we camp. It so simple and nice to get away from the chaos of home!
My husband and I love camping, and did a lot before we had the kids, but this was the first family camping trip. It was a huge success and we’re thrilled :)
Sounds like a fantastic vacation! I agree that sometime we’re so busy structuring play/activities/entertainment we forget that really kids just want to be allowed to do their own thing. Mine are happiest when I sit on the floor and play trains. #theprompt79
I know, I need to let them be bored more often I think :)
A really lovely post. I struggle to keep the children entertained by things I have prepared. I tend to leave them to it now if we aren’t going out. Like you said they can use their imagination more, they find fun in things I couldn’t see. I sometimes feel like I don’t trust them to entertain themselves but they always manage to create some sort of game
I think that’s my problem, I worry that I’m going to be inundated with ‘I’m bored…’ but really, they get on fine when left to it!
It’s fab watching kids use their imaginations to play rather than computers/consoles. Love the idea of the prompt :)
Thanks for linking up to #AnythingGoes
Debbie
It really is, makes me very happy, and proud x
I think we all can fall into that trap of thinking we have to keep our children constantly entertained. But when we leave them to get bored – that’s when their imagination has a real chance to develop!
Absolutely, and it is wonderful to watch too x
This is really good advice. It’s easy to think we need to be entertaining them all the time but it’s so important to remember that they need to learn to entertain themselves. Sounds like a great trip! #twinklytuesday
Exactly, we’re not doing them any favours if we organise them all the time x
Such a lovely read! Im glad they are having the best time ever!! Thanks for sharing! Suz x Beauisblue.com
Thanks, we have had an amazing summer x
This is such a wonderful advice! I have been having a hard time recently letting my kids just play. With the start of school I have been trying to make sure they are ready. I need to just let them be kids and blow bubbles, play in the rain (not our Kansas Thunderstorms), draw with chalk, and not be so strict on what they are doing. #TwinklyTuesday
Kristen
Exactly, sometimes it’s okay for them to be bored, and they very quickly find something to do :)
Oh I love this post Sara, just wonderful. So glad you all had a great time too – sounds like it was brilliant. Sorry I’m only just linking up, poor blog like a car crash this week! x
It really was brilliant, just what we all needed x
I couldnt agree with you more the days my girls love best is just a simple picnic it does them the world of good to get abit bored and have to think of what to play themselves. Thanks for sharing on #sundaystars
Absolutely, it’s amazing to watch their imaginations come alive x
Aww so glad they had such a great time! Play is so important, especially outdoor play! That had to be really calming and rewarding to see them have so much fun!
It really was wonderful to watch x
It looks that you had a great time camping. Just the idea of being away and spend time as a family feels amazing! I really need to go away with my girls too. I agree that sometimes is better to let them find their own games. My eldest love just inventing new games or activities and she can spend hours doing her own thing. Of course a little bit of structure of what to do when you are away is also important. Thanks for sharing, lovely post. :-) xx
#myfavouritepost
It was wonderful to get away from everything for a few days x
I think we try so hard to entertain our children these days, that we forget about just playing. Kids need to learn how to make their own fun too don’t they
They really do!