Monday, November 7, 2011

JUST A PILE OF LEAVES?

Our grandson Asher, now 20 months old, is enjoying what children have done, probably for centuries--playing in a pile of fall leaves.  That big smile says it all!

Adults usually look askance at all the laughter and joy regarding that pile of leaves. Honestly, I don't remember why I loved doing that myself as a child, but the joy of jumping onto a pile of them must still be magical--I've seen a number of children in our neighborhood doing so this year.

I've determined that it isn't just about a pile of leaves--it's about the ability in childhood to enjoy total abandonment in something so simple, so without batteries, and so cost FREE.  You know, we really don't need expensive, fancy toys to entertain children, even in 2011.  As illustrated in the photographs on this post, going to a local park to find leaves or even our own backyards can be fun.

Have you ever given a toddler a few colorful plastic bowls and a wooden spoon to play with?  When our daughters were little, I saved margarine tubs in varying sizes and colors for just that purpose, and they loved them.  Young children enjoy stacking things, turning them various ways, even putting them on their heads :).  Those margarine tubs made a dandy noise when banged together, too.

There are just so many creative ways to do things with children that are not expensive--dressing up in mommy's clothes, adding lots of jewelry, then having a tea party with the dolls and stuffed animals they already have.  Scavenger hunts with things in your home.  Charades.  Putting on a puppet show from behind a couch, using sock puppets decorated with yarn for hair and buttons for facial features.  Being creative and pretending is still fun for me now with the grandchildren.  Share some of your ideas with us through the comment block below!

But I digress.  In any case, the proverbial pile of leaves still evokes fond memories of fall.  It also serves as a reminder that something inexpensive, or even free, can often create priceless memories, bring families closer together, and create memorable pictures!

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