The Simple Things
It's Not Complicated to Have Fun
Yes, we are Amazon Prime members. Yes, we have spent too much time online searching for the perfect toy. Yes, we have thrown up our hands in frustration wondering how to make a visit by grandchildren “fun.”
But time and time again, we are reminded that the best fun comes from the simplest things. I have previously told the story of “Adventure Sticks” and Aiden’s favorite toy, a remote control. A while ago a ping pong ball, a simple launch stick and a plastic cup equalled an hour of fun for Kinsley. Watch the dramatic moment when the ball finally finds the cup.
Sometimes the challenge of a mass sleepover is finding an activity that everyone can do together and enjoy. My crafty wife purchased fizzy color tabs, a water palette and droppers. Mixing colors became another hour of fun (and education!).
The Dress-Up Box feeds the fire of their imaginations. My two five-year-old granddaughters have enjoyed it now for years, accumulating princess dresses, masks, crowns and jewelry. Aiden now stores his swords there. It is usually the first stop on any visit and the gateway to - you guessed it - more fun!
Five Simple Things
It can be hard to find the simple in a complicated world, but here are five simple things that never fail to deliver fun…
Stories - Everybody loves a story, whether the romance of a prince and princess, the adventure of a sword-wielding warrior or the playful antics of a lovable bear. We never grow out of stories either (The Hallmark Channel, Mission Impossible and Star Wars movies, Seinfeld and Friends). Stories fire up our imaginations, teach values and entertain. What’s not to like? For me the best source of the best stories is the Bible. There are true stories like Noah and the Ark, David and Goliath as well as parables like The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son. But don’t forget your stories that will have a powerful and personal impact on your grandchildren.
Imagine Nation - The time will come when children will have to learn about the “real world” but don’t neglect that other world of imagination that transports them to worlds that are surreal. The middle three fingers of my right hand are known as The Creeper who creeps (and tickles) to the delight of toddlers. I have a number of hand puppets, Topher the Gopher, Bucky the Beaver, Woody the Wolf and a sock puppet named Wilbur. These are real until about the age of five.
I’ve found that a child who is imaginative will lead you to Imagine Nation. Our Kinsley often begins her invitations to play with the words, “Grandpa, pretend….,” and she goes on to describe the rules. Other times I am the instigator. Wherever we end up is often better than “the real world”
Competition - This has taken a bad rap in recent years with a misguided attempt to shelter kids from losing and failure, but healthy competition - as well as losing and failure - can be a source of growth. Maybe begin with a Crunching Contest. Fresh grapes do the trick and participants begin by placing one in their mouths and on the count of three… crunch! There is no participation trophy, just a winner. If you’re a little more ambitious, declare a Thumb War. It’s best to compete equally without playing to one child’s strength (fastest, smartest, tallest…). Be sure everyone has an equal opportunity to win but embrace the losing and learn from both.
Humor - “Knock knock.”
Who’s there?
“Dishes.“
“Dishes who?”
“Dishes going to be a great day!”
“Why did the chicken cross the street?
“Becauuuuuuuuse.”
“Why are pigs covered with ink?”
“Because they live in a pen.”
OK, you get the idea. It doesn’t take much to make kids laugh and laughter is good medicine that lightens a mood and brings kids together. There are some family friendly joke books that can be a useful filler for times together. The best humor is not found in books, but grows out of life. I have a terrible sense of direction and occasionally make wrong turns when they are with me. So I composed a little song for such times.
The kids use it liberally when I stray! Better that they have a laugh at your expense than the other way around.
Mystery - I’m pretty sure that the two most universally loved games for the youngest children are Peek-a-Boo and Hide & Seek. Why? It’s the mystery of not knowing. Will you peek out from behind the sofa or be hiding in a closet? For older kids it’s The Happy Hollisters and Nancy Drew that appeal to their love of mystery. For all kids there’s something about not knowing that triggers their natural curiosity. And that’s a good thing! Your love for them, your commitment and concern for them and your good example - none of these should be a mystery, but beyond these there are worlds to be explored and discovered.
Your grandchildren were born into a world that gets more complicated the older they get - more responsibilities, relationship troubles, disappointments and strife. It is the simple things that draw them back to the real world - your love, laughter and the love of God that will be the foundation for their lives.
Terrific!