“Once upon a time, there was a Magic Kingdom made of hopes and childhood fantasies. A timeless place where every land was filled with wonder. A place where everyone who entered its gates would be given the gift of the young at heart.” - Author: Julie Andrews
Wouldn’t the world be a different place if we could only embrace life as a child?
When children grow up to adulthood, somehow life takes a turn that grays the imagination, wonder and amazement that everyday has to offer for kids. Children view their small world with a childlike faith and imagination that colours their days so they aren’t bogged down in political jargon, wars, famines, finances or otherwise that complicate an adult’s world.
For the most part, life has a way of complicating matters and adults have a way of making things much more complicated than they actually are. An adult’s world encompasses a much broader view that a child’s ‘small’ world – the global issues somehow become our issues, causing headaches, heartaches, stress, insecurity and anxiety, even though we may be far from those immediate problems in our own lives.
Our grandchildren are again teaching us that life is bigger, more exciting and more fun as a child.
One of our grandsons in Powell River - a three year old has, as of yet, no comprehension of the value of money, but in life experience he sees ‘treasures’ everywhere he goes. Recently we had a chance to visit them and as their coastal playground offers, there are rocks everywhere. During a walk along the oceanside with his dad and grandpa, he was turning over every rock he could get his hands on. When asked why he was doing that, he exclaimed, “I’m looking for treasures.” Kids see treasure not in monetary value but in the value of finding something special under a rock…and for them, that’s a real treasure.
Another experience to illustrate childhood wonder and the imagination of children happened this Easter weekend. Other grandsons, ages 16 months and six years that live in New Westminster, BC were extremely excited to have the Easter Bunny visit. On Saturday evening in a video clip, Mak (6 years old) was very busy cleaning up the living room and putting all his toys away; when his dad asked him what he was doing, he said he didn’t want the Easter Bunny to trip over them when he came to visit that night. In a following conversation Mak told his dad that the Easter Bunny poops jelly beans…(: Later the kids put out a carrot and cookie treat for the rascally wabbit that was soon to come. The following morning on Mak’s awakening, his dad was armed and ready to tape his every move starting from the chocolate on his headboard that was a sure indication that the Easter Bunny had dropped by and even came into his bedroom. Following bunny tracks (creatively made and placed) and a chocolate egg path…Mak made his way right to his Easter stash with gleeful exuberance, even finding a jelly bean close by.
Watching his experience brought great joy to my heart…but unfortunately, the kids will soon realize that things of imagination that bring excitement and wonder will soon be lost in reality, just a stepping stone in growing up.
“It's essential that a part of you not grow up. Childhood wonder gives us our spark and beauty.” - Author: Robin Quivers
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
