It got me thinking. What can we do to nurture our own boys' imaginations and creativity? And to have children who grow up to be innovative, prolific and truly original adults. We've always been intentional in not having video games/systems or satellite t.v. and lots of television watching. I've tried hard to not let my own desire for order and control rule when it comes to how the boys play or create. It's okay for their world of make believe not to look like "real life." And it's okay if we have (for a while, anyway) cardboard air compressors, jet packs or forts lying around in the garage or the playroom. I want the boys to read a book, become inspired and try to recreate a scene from it. I want them to be able to do a craft that doesn't come in a box showing you what it's supposed to look like - let their minds explore and create. I want them to make inventions with paper clips, bungee cords and chunks of wood. Or to make a native american teepee using blankets and a camera tripod (as they have done many times)! :) As I watch them I've decided that rather than over think it and try to come up with some elaborate or costly ways to boost their imagination, the best thing I can do is simply stay out of the way. Give them encouragement and the freedom to think outside the box and not try to contain them or their ideas. Anyway, that's what I'm currently thinking. We'll see how our parenting theory really works in another 10 to 20 years! :)
The boys latest imaginative endeavor: a secret fort under our deck. It comes complete with a radio, three chairs, a light and porch. The best part is that it is camouflaged by red tip photinias so golfers cannot detect them! :)
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