How Kids Play

I have been thinking a lot lately about how kids play. Specifically, my brain debates the value of fancy, expensive toys and gadgets versus imaginative, 'simple' play. I could open a whole can of worms here about what I think are the goods and bads of each type of play, but ugh, I just don't want to. That's been done thoroughly by others. I'm not going to claim to be an expert on play, but rather, an observant Mom. I will just say TAKE YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE FOR PETE'S SAKE. There. Now you know where my loyalties generally lie.

Last fall I took the Girls to a new park called Whitetail Woods that has an awesome nature play area. No behemoth metal and plastic play structure here, but instead sticks and rocks, water and sand.  It makes me think of the Late Show with David Letterman bits where he periodically brings in a toy expert to show him the newest and best in toys and gadgets, often lamenting that he, as a kid, was just given 'a good sharp stick' to play with. And you get the idea he thought that was fine. I love that guy.

I am in favor of sticks. Maybe not really sharp ones, but yes to sticks. Here is photo evidence of a beautiful fall day of outdoor nature play. My kids went home damp, dirty, tired and totally happy (except for the fact that I made them leave the park):

 

 

And now, watch this please (you can thank me later).: David Letterman Cupcake Car