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Somewhere along the way we grow up.
Fort building and tree climbing are replaced with jobs and responsibilities. We lose interest in play and using our imagination. We find it difficult to live in the present moment as we let the worry and planning consume our mind. But what if I were to tell you that inside each of us is an inner-child just waiting to come out and play?
Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Kids get that.
They live in the moment, create, explore, and pretend. They see their world with wonderment and excitement. Why is it that we don’t take the time to do the same?
This year instead of socks, ties, or tools for a father’s day gift, I have decided to tap into my inner child and give something a bit different.
I call it, “An Adventure in a Box.” The perfect gift for fathers!
What’s in it?
I grabbed this bin that looks like a treasure box and filled it with these items which most of them I picked up either at the dollar store or the dollar section at Target. Get creative… those ropes you see are actually jump ropes that I cut the handles off of. And that treasure map is a scrap piece of wrapping paper with burned edges. And those marshmallow launchers are made out of a PVC pipe and cost under $2.00 to make. Nothing too fancy here folks. Anything goes.
Looking through my counselor goggles, I can’t help but think about all the benefits that a child and parent can receive by adventure playing.
Allowing the child to take part of the journey and the story helps them feel like they have a voice and their ideas matter. I encourage parents to let kids take the lead during play as much as possible.
Not having a plan fosters imagination and being able to be in the moment.
As adults we could use practice in setting aside the to-do lists and taking it moment by moment.
That’s what an adventure is all about right?
Exploring and discovering new things fuels the imagination and encourages children to ask and answer their own questions.
This fosters a love for learning.
Working together builds unity and bonding.
Using their environment in their story promotes creativity. Can you tell this is a bucket full of treasure?
Exploring their surroundings through binoculars helps them understand perspective.
Sitting on shoulders makes them feel big and in charge.
Taking the time to sit down and have conversations on their level increases trust and encourages them to feel heard and loved.
I loved standing back and watching these two sit back and enjoy their time with one another.
He couldn’t put the binoculars down!
After a great adventure, a child is left feeling loved, heard, and connected.
Give the father’s day gift that not only brings out that inner-child but creates memories that will be written on their hearts for years to come.
What else would you put in your “Adventure Box?”
xo.
You can find more of me at: weedstowishes.com
