Imagination

Have you noticed how easy it is to get a child hooked in a good story? Go to the theater or the cinema and observe your kids when they’re watching the show. You can tell that they are no longer in the room with you, they are deep into the story. Living the adventure, relating to the characters. You can get the same reaction from reading a book together. Use your voice to give life to the characters and read it with focus and eagerness and you’ll draw them in for sure.

What stories are part of your world?

Stories have been a part of the human development since long before reading and writing was invented. Stories capture the imagination and helps memory. We use stories to portray heroes, pass on life lessons and exemplify desirable values and beliefs.

I’ve been a fan of Fantasy and Science Fiction for as long as I can remember. It started with Astrid Lindgren and Disney and developed into Tolkien, Eddings, George Lucas, Salvatore, Jordan and many many more. Through the years I’ve gotten some comments on my choice of literature. Some seem to think Fantasy is for children, that when you grow up you should grow out of imagining things and move over to proper genres.

Thankfully the Fantasy/Sci-Fi movement has won ground in the recent years and nowadays you can find a good story in any bookstore. Fantasy prepares your brain for thinking outside of given parameters. It lets your imagination run free. You get to explore what a society would look like and how people would act under completely different circumstances. What would happen if you could live for a thousand years? How would you manage equality in a world where some are born with abilities to fly, read minds or conjure things out of thin air? What would the world look like if animals could talk?

Children are experts at imagination

When a child is consumed in play she/he’s probably a long way into an imaginary world. When she/he’s playing it’s usually done out loud – try sneaking up without being noticed and listen. It’s amazing the stories and imagination that comes alive.

The cars and trucks are racing for victory and the building blocks are huge boulders that giants have thrown down to try and stop the race. Just when the last curve is coming up an evil transformer appears and tries to stop the hero with a blast from his huge disintegration weapons. As the car is falling apart the hero has to make a daring jump and escapes just in time.

The pet shop cats are huge lions running for life trying to get away from the evil witch who want to steal their ability to roar and use it in one of her magic potions. They find shelter within a cave (under a blanket draped over the small table in the playroom) and exhausted fall down to rest hoping that the witch won’t find their trail. The lions were too tired to notice the small footprints in the cave… who lives in this cave?

Children get consumed by their play and their imagination aren’t limited by stupid adult constraints, reason or logic. Flying dolphins, why not?

It’s good to remember that when you interrupt a game, like for dinner or having to go somewhere, you’re actually disturbing the imaginary world that’s been created. Your child might be a long way away from the actual reality going on. Relating to the characters and feeling deeply for their salvation and well being. Getting a child, with a vivid imagination out of play takes some thoughtfulness.

Join in the play but don’t disrupt or bring adult “logic” to the game

Joining in when your child is playing can be extremely rewarding and strengthen your connection. Remember not to take over the storyline, your imagination will never rival theirs 😉 In fact, if you try to add to the narrative you’ll probably only distance yourself from the child. Let her lead the way. Just participate according to your designated role and ask questions – What happens now? What does she say then? How is she going to act next? Your child will prompt you.

Play along and marvel at the world that’s created. Ask how things look, what sounds are there and how the characters are feeling. If you do it right, commit to the imagination, your child might not consciously notice you’re there. You’re now part of the story, another character come even more alive. But when the time comes for taking a break you will have a much easier time convincing and persuading her to join you in the real world.

But I’ve not practiced my imagination for years!

If you haven’t used your imagination for a long time it might feel a bit awkward at first. The goal is to spend some time being part of your child’s world and to connect, not to rate you on your imagination. Keep asking questions or just play along quietly until you’re invited to participate more actively.

Remember the characters that you were inspired and touched by when you were growing up. The presence, values and qualities they embodied.

I’ve been influenced by female and male characters growing up. Captivated by stories of bravery, adventure and magic. I’ve shared my world with Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Ronia the Robbers daughter, Aviendha, Egwene, Arwen, Strider, Sparhawk, Drizzt Do’Urden and many more.

Join in the play and rejoice in having a moment of fun with your children! It’s what life is for – enjoying it – and kids do it SO well.