"Building memories" and "Memories made" are common phrases conjuring up the ultimate dream for parents of young children.
It got me thinking about which memories children carry into adulthood and why. Is it the countless experiences available, especially this time of year? Or is it something much simpler, that may often be overlooked?
Why this matters
This matters because as parents we want our children to have a happy childhood so they can enjoy better developmental outcomes. The more obvious answer is that we want our kids to look back on happy memories of being a child. It's a magical precious time.
A happy childhood is essential for a child’s development.
Take a minute to think back about your fondest childhood memories.
It's interesting what you remember.
Here is mine;
I was around 7 years old and as a family (Mum, Dad, and my elder sister) we used to visit the Lake District quite often. We stayed in a caravan - super exciting for a child because it feels like a miniature home! I remember the rain tapping on the roof and it was always dark when we arrived. We often went on hill walks which I thought would be memorable but in fact, it was the picnic halfway round that I remember. There is something very exciting about a picnic/packed lunch for children. It doesn't seem to matter where it is, it's more about the intrigue of unzipping your bag of food and examining each little package in detail. It may feel like opening a present.
We used to go with another family who also had kids our age - having other older kids to play with is also a memorable experience for children. Fun is off the scale especially when you are left to your own devices!
We used to play a game called 'Swallows and Amazons". It was based on a story about a group of children who had two small sailing boats; one called Swallow and one called Amazon. Our parents hid 'treasure' on 'Wild Cat Island' and we had to race to find it.
But it was not without adversity.
The adult's job was to chase us -possibly the most exciting form of play for children, they experience the thrill of running for their lives in an imaginary world. Their brains will be releasing Dopamine, the feel-good hormone.
As our boat drew closer to Wild Cat Island, the prize was within reach and no adults were in sight. Then suddenly like a phoenix rising from the ashes, a figure exploded out of the water!
It was my Dad, clad in a 1980s wetsuit.
He intended to swim under the boat and scare the life out of us... and he did!
I remember being in flight or fight mode, my heart racing with excitement. I picked up an oar and hit him over the head with it! Something I still feel bad about.
The truth is; I was experiencing play at the height of its powers. It was fun, imaginary, and physical we were exposed to an element of risk that we had to work out for ourselves. We had to be problem solvers. For these reasons, I believe it became my most vivid and happiest childhood memory.
It was simple, which is what true play is.
Making a den is one of the most memorable things children do when they play.
You may be thinking that traveling to the Lakes and playing Swallows and Amazons doesn't sound that simple and you would be right. This was in the moment for us in the life that we led.
The same power of play can be found in everyday experiences like playing hide and seek, building a den with a washing line and an old sheet, dressing up pretending to be someone else, or dressing someone else up which we used to do with my Uncle Joe. He made a lovely lady!
My message is to keep faith in children's incredible natural ability to have fun and the belief that simple play ideas build memories for children.
Family Christmas Forest School
Forest School is based on simple play and there are a few places left on the Family Christmas Forest School event on Saturday 21st December. If you enjoy playing out as a family and making memories together, this is for you.
