So, what is a grownup to do to promote play?

Here's an excerpt from a Reclaiming Play for Children, an article Wendy Rowan published in a recent issue the Times-Standard. It's a good reminder for us all about the kinds of gifts we can give our kids, and the kinds of gifts kids have to give to each other:

"So what is a grownup to do to promote play? Fortunately, as every young child wants and needs to play, a little guidance and simple toys should suffice. Reflect upon your positive early childhood play experiences to remember toys that stimulated your imagination, engaged you physically or involved others. I have vivid memories of my younger brother playing endlessly with his trucks in a patch of dirt my family referred to as the 'diggins.' He made a complex network of roads, tunnels, and hills. My cousin Linda and I claimed a patch of small acacia trees outside our classroom, naming them the bunny bushes. We were captivated by the story of Peter Rabbit and his nemesis Mr. McGregor. We repeatedly enacted dramas about entering Mr. McGregor's garden, running away from Mr. McGregor, and returning safely home to our bunny family."

For those of us who are out and about traveling the laneways to love - may we all return safely home to our bunny families.

from Bernie DeKoven, funsmith