Imagine a world where it was possible to step into your child’s shoes for an hour…To see the world from their vantage point and hear the ideas running through their heads. In this post, we’ll do exactly that. We will shift our perspective and dive into the world of a child. One who has just received the magical gift of an indoor playhouse for kids. A world where excitement is just around every corner and the possibilities seem endless. A world of building, exploring, and creating with no bounds. Where creativity isn’t stifled by logistics. A world where parents and caregivers plan and facilitate the fun, all for our enjoyment. Today, just for a little while, you can sit back and relax while you put yourself in your child’s position. A position where all of your basic needs are met for you, without effort, and where your ultimate goal is to enjoy being home and having fun.
Through a Child’s Eyes
The glimpse into a child’s mind starts here…”Earlier today was the best! I came home from school and had the biggest surprise ever! As I rounded the corner from the kitchen to the living room, I was so surprised, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I didn’t know what to say, and that never happens! Right there in the living room, there was the coolest looking house ever, and it was just my size! I can’t believe Mom surprised me with the best gift, a playhouse for kids! The second I saw it, I knew I had to check it out. I couldn’t believe it was all happening right in my very own house! Mom said that she AND Dad picked out this fun indoor playhouse…I can’t wait until my brother sees it when he gets back home from karate class and when my sister wakes up from her nap, she’s going to have so much fun with it! It’s so exciting!
As I stepped into my new house, it reminded me of a cartoon I saw the other day, one where there was an architect - that means someone who builds things. It got me thinking about setting up my own house. The first thing that caught my eye was the sturdy cardboard frame that formed the skeleton of this incredible playhouse for kids. It was like a mini-castle, waiting for me to add my design inside! The possibilities seemed endless, and my mind was already racing with ideas of secret passages I could create, adventures that I could dream up, and the thought of imaginary trapdoors that could transport me to faraway lands.
What is fantastic about this indoor playhouse is that it's not just a playhouse; it's a blank slate, and I can create anything I want inside. After scoping the place out a bit more, I decided to get my dry erase board and some wipe away markers and set up shop inside. I doodled, sketched, and planned for my upcoming adventures. With my markers, my white board instantly became my design blueprint, a place to sketch out new ideas and plan my next big project. I could draw and erase, creating new designs on the fly. It was like having my very own drafting board, like I’ve seen architects have on TV, and I loved the freedom it gave me to create and experiment.
After a while, my toys that were in the living room near the playhouse started looking pretty appealing to me, almost like they were calling my name and wanting to join in on my grand construction project. Blocks of all shapes and sizes were scattered like treasures waiting to be discovered. I couldn't resist the urge to grab a handful and start building. The playhouse became town hall and I began working on building a large road to the rest of the city’s sights. Towers rose and fell, bridges connected imaginary worlds, and my masterpiece took shape with each carefully placed block.
Then I decided to add some new toys to the mix, my magna-tiles and pipe cleaners. Each item allowed me to think outside the box. I wasn't stuck with a specific answer or set of instructions. Instead, I could let my imagination run wild, experimenting with different shapes, structures, and forms. Playtime is much more fun when I’m in charge.
As I spent tons of time exploring the depths of my indoor playhouse, I realized that this magical space wasn't just a simple gift; it was much more, a space to explore my creativity. It sparked my curiosity, encouraged me to think about plans and solving problems, and allowed me to express myself freely. I put on my construction cap and found the joy of creating something entirely my own. I wish there were playhouses for kids everywhere, they’re so fun to explore and play in.
When I took a break from my fun to grab a snack, I hugged my Mom and thanked her. I don’t think she was expecting that because she looked at me quietly and got a little teary-eyed. When she finally did talk, she told me she was so happy that I liked my new playhouse and asked me to tell her all about what I had been up to. When my Dad got home from the store, I heard my Mom bragging to Dad about all of my creations in the indoor playhouse today. They seemed as excited as I am about this awesome playhouse, even though it's just for kids! Ahhhh, gotta go! I think I hear my brother being dropped off by our neighbor, I better meet him by the door to help surprise him with our new playhouse for kids. So much more creativity is coming our way…”
Return to Adulthood
As parents and caregivers, we want what’s best for our kids. We know that providing them with high-quality toys will help them to flourish socially and academically. Giving the gift of an indoor playhouse for kids has so many benefits. When thinking of the snapshot above (from inside the mind of a child), it is easy to see the positives that came from this experience. This young boy was able to practice new vocabulary (like using the word architect), explore math concepts while using his blocks to create, hone his fine motor skills while drawing and writing up plans, and practice problem solving techniques to fix the problems in his own adventure world! And to think, this was only a snippet of one part of an afternoon spent in his new indoor playhouse. Imagine the possibilities that will come once his siblings and neighborhood friends join in on the fun?
Childhood is as fantastic as it is fleeting. Letting children lead the charge when it comes to their playtime is one crucial way we can support their fun and growth. As parents and caregivers, our role becomes not just that of providers but facilitators of a space where childhood flourishes. Embracing the concept of open-ended toys, like the Make It Cute playhouses, opens the door to a world where creativity reigns supreme, and the potential for growth and joy is limitless. So, let us encourage our children to lead the way in their playtime adventures, knowing that these moments are not just fleeting but foundational for a future rich in creativity and possibility.