Oh those classic childhood activities. I vow to never get so busy that I forget those classics!
The other day John came home from work talking about these great big boxes that arrived at his office. I literally jumped off the couch and asked him if he brought them home.
He looked at the size of his teeny tiny micra car out the window and then said, “ummm … no …”. My disappointment was clearly evident when he said the boxes would certainly be collapsed and gone in the morning.
He said we could just go this weekend to get some. What?!
I said something along the lines of, “Where on Earth can you just go and say – I would like big boxes for free please” and he responded with, “Pretty much anywhere?”
Pretty much anywhere? That could not possibly be the case. If it were true I would like to believe that I, a crafting Mama with an excessive imagination would certainly know about it.
But guess what? It’s totally true.
And that gem of a hubby of mine went out the very next day with the van and got a bunch! He went to our closest hardware store, but furniture stores give them away too.
The day was spent creating and building and making the biggest box forts I have ever played in.
We started with two great big boxes for each boy. They added windows and doors, allocated their “rooms” for certain activities (a fidget spinner room, a stuffy room – you know, the necessities).
It wasn’t long until they decided to create adjoining rooms. I just love how they love playing together.
They can be the very best of friends (and the opposite too of course, but let’s focus on the positive…)
Do you remember the feeling of being in a box fort as a kid? I completely do. Amazing! Getting lost in your own little world. The feeling of being completely safe and snug. I am so thrilled that my little ones will have those memories too.
This activity was actually just designed to be super fun for my littles. But really, there was a ton of learning that took place as well:
- boxes needed to be reassembled, which was fabulous for building spatial awareness
- designs and plans were drawn before cutting out doors and windows
- cutting cardboard is fabulous for strengthening hands
- problem solving skills were used to sort out how to connect the boxes
- and social skills (as always with my little boys) continue to develop!
The other night when I was upstairs making dinner I heard that sweet teen of mine make her way to the basement and ring the bell to the fort (doorbells – which are actually jingle bells – have been installed). And there she stayed for 30 minutes getting lost in the world of box forts with her little brothers. Completely priceless.
Maybe you will find a classic activity from your childhood this week to introduce to your little ones! If you do, please be sure to send me a note telling me all about it. I just love the classics!
Thank you so much for reading friends. I hope you are having a fabulous start to your week.
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