One of the things I love about children is that they are endlessly imaginative. Today my grandson and I took a cardboard box, some tape, and a pillow, and we made a car. We had a glorious time racing around the house. He pushed the bolt in the center of the steering wheel, saying “Beep! Beep!” whenever he wanted me to push him. He liked his car so much he had to eat his lunch in it too. I am reminded of Mr. Toad (from Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame). His friends were very concerned when he let his car go to his head, but I have always loved the image of Mr. Toad careening around the countryside. He didn’t have a lot of common sense, but he sure enjoyed life. Playing with young children allows you to leave behind the shackles of adult conformity and propriety, and just have fun. From pouring water into containers and digging in the sand, to helping to sweep the floor, to racing in a cardboard car, or to cuddling up for story time, children understand how to live fully in the moment and really experience life.
Carol Nicolas 