Let Children be Children

I believe in childhood and I believe we should all try to keep our children happy sweet innocent children as long as we can.

I have two boys and a little girl. The boys are past Santa, tooth fairies dragons and the fantasy lives they had as little ones. Fiona however , is ten and still full of wonder and devilment.

Santa is so real to her and Christmas is so exciting. Some people would say she’s milking it but even so, I carry on the dream.

The two older children now delight in contributing to the magic and this amuses them so much,  its wonderful.

As I did for them, the boys create  magical scenarios for their little sister as I did for them.

Bells ringing outside on Christmas eve, the stomp of reindeer’s hoofs on the roof.

I watched the boys point to the sky last Christmas Eve at Santa at the reindeer’s passing by the moon. Their sister squinted her bright  blue eyes .

Where ? “look , look Fiona, look over there “

The sky was deep dark blue and in the icy stillness I could see each breath puff clouds of warm air into the night..

Suddenly she began to scream  “I see the sleigh , I see it behind the trees “ 

After the excitement the boys ushered her inside to the range in the kitchen where they all warmed hands. Suddenly  off she ran to bed less Santa might see she was still awake !

Santa always leaves signs when he has been in the house. Footprints around the fireplace – get a big boot and some talcum powder. Stand the boot on the powder walk it as steps would walk, then hey presto, Santa’s footprints.

One year when Alan was about six and his first tooth came out, he doubted the fairy story but left his tooth under his pillow – just in-case !

I carved a tiny foot sole by  out of a half potato. Then, I dipped the tiny shape in black watercolor paint.

I ran tiny footprints along his pillow and the following morning he nearly had a fit when he saw what he believed were  little fairy footprints.

Sometimes I’d leave a tiny note with weenie weenie writing saying thanks for the tooth and it will make a beautiful star !

Childhood is so special , some kids never have a childhood. Some have a very short childhood because they are pushed into growing up too soon.

To help let your child have a happier childhood I’d recommend a few ideas

Control the TV

Control the PC

Read to them

Create and play with your children

Encourage imagination

Know where they are at all times

Listen to their little problems

Praise, praise praise for every little achievement 

You can never give enough hugs