Fantasy play

Remember playing pretend as a child? I do.  I don't remember having tea parties, or playing the bride. I do remember pretending to be an animal, a superhero, and a wizard. I had an imagination back then and photography has forced me to reach back in time and retrieve it.

I get to encourage play with children. Today's world has our children growing up so fast. You've seen the references of how back in our day we were happy to have those special scented markers, while today's children are using smart phones and tablets. Playing more with video games and watching videos instead of creating a story and telling it through play.

I want to encourage play and capture it. I want to use my own imagination and create.  You've seen the photos of my dog. He's kind of like Barbie. He can have any career or adventure I choose. He may not know it. He's just along for the ride...and the treats. All the treats.

Just because you're a grown up...does not mean your imagination needs to stop.  Mine did. When my kids were young I didn't know how to have imaginative play with them. I fumbled around with the Barbie dolls and the Legos. I missed out on that part in their development.   We had fun, don't get me wrong, and I'm not a bad mother. However, if you are at that stage in your life where your kids are trying to use their imagination in play...join in. Fumble around, feel a little awkward, just don't miss out.  That is a regret I have has a parent. I steered my children towards structured play because I knew the rules. Be silly, be creative. Your kids won't judge you, they will relish the attention they are getting, and you won't miss out on getting to know your child a little better.