Sally's Blog

Hi

We had our four younger nieces and nephews around for tea at the weekend, which was a real treat as they don't live too close to us. I was a bit worried though, that they would be bored, as our house is very grown up and teenager'ish these days!

I needn't have worried! They asked if they could make a 'den' with all the sofas and cushions in the front room. After an initial hesitation, (when I had to remind myself that the mess would be temporary and didnt really matter), I said that of course they could, as long as they put them all back afterwards!!

They had a wonderful time, and played a lovely game that bridged a six year age span, for ages!

It just goes to show that sometimes the most successful play experiences rely on mum and/or dad allowing the children to be spontaneous and play according to their own interests, and putting their own concerns about mess and disorganisation to the back of their minds!

Children love making dens, as they are able to be creative and constructive in order to make their own little world, where they can be away from adults prying eyes! And it is of coursereally good for their developing sense of responsibility to realise that they must then help you tidy up afterwards!

Another way of giving them control over den-making is to allow them to decorate one of our cardboard playhouses, see them at
http://www.elementaltoys.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Shop_Play_Buildings_and_Vehicles_51.html

Choose from rockets, teepees, houses and pods (lunar modules!) So easy to find one that will pick up on their interests. The wonderful thing about them is that they can remain a work in progress for ever, with them adding more features every time they play if they so wish!

Sally.