As we get older and have less contact with children, it is very easy to bury that child that lies within the hearts of each and every one of us; that happy go lucky, imaginative, often silly and uninhibited youngster that is a joy to have around.

I’m happy to announce that slowly but surely “my child” is being reborn, but in a new edition. You see, I was always somewhat of a worried child and in my childhood photos a serious and prematurely tense face stares back at the camera.

I can remember that I worried and fretted a lot. I was sensitive to my mother’s moods, and she is a quiet, somewhat introverted and melancholy person. Like most mothers of the WWII generation, my mother didn’t get down on the floor and play with us; even if she’d had time she probably wouldn’t have allowed herself to let go. It wasn’t until I was old enough to play cards that I was enable to engage her in a game.

When Ella came home, I worried that she would spend too much of her childhood with that serious look on her face. In Guatemala we met for the first time when she was three months old and she stared at me with such a serious and wise expression. I decided that I needed to set an example and consciously forced myself to start playing again. The more I do it, the easier it gets, and maybe it is just my imagination, but I think that Ella is ‘lightening up” as well.

I find that my love of music of all kinds is a good medium for relaxing and releasing that wild happy child dieing to break out. With scarves and musical instruments (maracas, a tambourine and cymbals being among Ella and my favorites) we dance with total abandon. It feels so darn good and Ella’s shrieks of joy are infectious. Initially I was self conscious and only did it when the two of us were alone. Not now! Whenever the urge to frolic hits us, we put the music on and go to town.

Last spring in honor of Ella being home with us forever for one year, I splurged and bought her the “retro” kitchen from Pottery Barn Kids (see photo). My sister “J” and I would have killed for one when we were children. I’ve added a child sized table and chair set, and Ella and I have great imaginary meals and conversations. Her farm animals are our steady dinner guests; dolls have yet to be invited. Sometimes we have formal tea parties; other times we get silly and cook toys and eat them with our hands, giggling hysterically the whole time.

Other games I’ve found helpful for rekindling that wonderful childhood spirit are playing with dolls (always a favorite of mine as a child), drawing, coloring and playing with clay. Although Ella enjoys these mediums, she still prefers eating them. I’m mostly past the oral stage (all though still a hard core finger nail biter) so get the most out of our art sessions!

A couple days ago I had an email from a friend I met in Guatemala. She told me how she loves to come home from work and play “dollhouse” with her daughter. It was something she said she has waited to do all her life. I’m so glad I could relate; yes, Ella will be getting a doll house next year but I’m still searching for the perfect one and it has to be from wood. If any of you have suggestions, please email them to me.

Playing keeps us young, sparks our imagination and makes us fun to be around. Put down the dish towel, turn off the computer, get off the phone, put on some comfortable clothes and get on the floor. Seize the opportunity to re-experience life with the spirit of a child; the child within each of us.


Photo Credit: Pottery Barn Kids.com