Playing Tarzan?
The other day I visited a friend who’s son had just turned five. As I couldn’t make it to his birthday party, she started telling me about his high expectations for birthday presents. His list of preferences included a Phoenix who cries magic tears, a magic wand, a cape that makes you invisible, and a silver knife. He found it incomprehensible that his mother could not go to a local store and buy these things for his birthday. How hard can it be to find a Phoenix in Reykjavik?! Last year, this same boy asked for a real life Yoda and a real light saber for Christmas.
Some people might be shocked by why parents would let a 5 year old boy watch Star Wars and Harry Potter. I wouldn’t completely disagree, but I watched Star Wars as a kid and got out of that experience with my brain and innocent youth intact (at least I hope so). But if you think about it, adventures can be a great source of inspiration for kids. What I like most about them is that they are able to activate the imagination which often makes kids explore life even further. Not to mention that I think kids who like adventure movies and stories are more likely to be physically active and play outdoors than others. You can’t really play Harry Potter or Luke Skywalker without moving, now can you?
It’s really easy for parents to get involved. If you buy a light saber for your kid, why don’t you grab one for yourself while your at it? I’m sure you’ve wondered what it would be like to be a jedi, and this is your chance to find out! You don’t even have to buy a “real” light saber. Go hiking in a nearby forrest and I’m sure you’ll find some branches that have fallen off trees that you can use instead. It’s better for the environment and you can also use the branch as a sword while playing a knight, a magic wand, or make it into a bow.
Just remember to keep an open mind ’cause it will make you more likely to find hidden treasures where you never would have thought to find them.
So go on. Be adventurous!
Thorunn
photo credit: J Roosens
