Naturally Wild

Fantasy

     I remember a time in my youth when my life was full of fantasy. I spent hours looking for fairies in the woods. Building forts with my sister so that we could hide from pirates and bandits was a weekly routine. I had the fortune of my best friend being my twin sister, so we were always together...always. Our play never ended! We would go to bed planning our adventures for the next day and pick up right where we left off in the world of make-believe. But how "make-believe" was it? Studies show that play and make-believe are actually valuable parts of a child's development. A child being able to express their creativity is a portal that builds confidence, social and cognitive development, and problem solving skills.
    Playing make believe in nature is even more enriching to children. This is where they develop an empathy for the natural world. While they concoct kingdoms, superheroes, dragons, and explorations, children are forming their own relationship that will forge their path for the future. Think about it...all of us that love nature now, more often that not, spent a lot of time in it as a child. Not just being outside but in nature! the experiences we had in nature as a child helped to establish our morals, ideals, and ambitions as an adults. It is called our ecological identity.
    This week, talk to the pixie that used to run through the fields. Go find the princess that was the ruler of the woods. Challenge the pirates down by the creek, or the troll under the bridge. Encourage you little one's imagination and help it to grow! Building a digital world on a computer game has limitations and boundaries. Not so in the world of make-believe. allow your child to fully embrace their imagination and you will watch it grow over time and remember that it is OK to be swept back into a time of fantasy.


Need some inspiration? Check out Forest Fairy Tales by the Forest Commission: England. Or find out how on Pinterest how to build your own fairy house in your backyard, porch, or even potted plant! Who said you needed woods to play make-believe?