The other night while I was attempting clean our exceedingly chaotic and out of control messy office, our little urchins of course wanted to play in the room. The hubby was outside mowing the lawn so there were no other parental diversions in sight. Luckily they found something to capture their attention.
On the floor was a small oriental flower pot filled with river rock, a little pink ceramic box with a top, and another ornamental ceramic item that was meant to hold a flower. Yes, I let my children play with them. I like to live dangerously. Can you hear that rebel yell?? 😉
Anya started playing with them first, moving rocks from one receptical to another. Shortly afterward Kailan entered the room, and sat down next to her, “Can I have some, too?”. Anya gave up some of her coveted rocks to allow her brother to participate in this absorbing task. For next TWENTY MINUTES they proceeded to take turns moving the rocks from the different rock holders and back again. Only a few times did I have to admonish them to “be gentle, don’t break them” and “please share nicely”.
It was fun watching them so absorbed in their task. They spent more time in that activity than they have playing with 90% of their toys. So really, who needs toys?
That’s what I’m saying!
Nice! You are so brave. I wonder if it’ll ever happen again? 🙂
BTW, in a few hours there will be a little something for you posted on my blog. 😉
Hehe! That’s what I wonder, why do we spend so much effort to provide our kids with educational, well-made toys just for them to ignore them in favor of, oh, say a paper towel tube. Or, a pile of rocks and a couple of boxes to hold them. 😀