How we play!

Lately, I have been, letting go and saying no, to buying toys.

I have, like many people, spent a silly amount, on beautiful quality toys and games for my children, only to be disappointed when they have had limited use.

I have also curbed my habit of buying nice; second hand toys when rummaging at thrift shops, garage sales and friends throw out piles…

The other thing that seems pointless these days, are making my children complex and time-consuming play things. The satisfaction I gain from making something, even when it’s from my heart, becomes steeped in disappointment, when they are rarely valued and enjoyed.

My time is just too precious. to spend making things, just because I can, when in the end, there is no real benefit.
Emerging, as the a more enjoyable things to do together, include-

The telling of stories, often expressively while walking.

Collecting and observing things in nature.

Word games, and spontaneous song composing.

Natural home building for particular elementals and their needs- mossy forest dens in the woods and sandy castles by the sea.

Dress ups are a big deal- and acquiring new additions for character play, from the usually second hand offerings, are as much of a thrill as the plays that results.

My idea of what a child needs, has changed over time. With Chimme, I have used dried corn cobs for tethers, wooden spoons and other rounded edged kitchen items. His toy basket consists mainly of big sisters hand me downs- blocks, branch rounds and other natural things, such as walnuts, seeds and wool. I feel comfortable handing him a leaf, large stone or eatable flower to explore, and watch his balance improve at rocky shores, stony creek beds, grassy hills and forest floors.

When the block, stone or seedpod is abandoned for another foraged, naturally occurring item, we are all happy with the material flow and feel a natural sense of abundance!

Occasionally, like today, when I sense that something will be most enjoyed, I don’t hesitate the acquisition- Chimme beheld his new $8 Indonesian broom with delight. I have noted his strange connection to brooms for many months, he would imitate the sweeping actions and explore intimately any wayward broom to be found in his path. 
So now, Chimme has his very own play broom. this broom will, I am sure, reincarnate as another helpful household cleaning item, in the years to come... is as much these days as we want and even more than what we need.