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Lights, Camera ... Imagination!
The Mind Is a Child's Best Toy
By Kelly Burgess
The Lasek children play with a lot of imaginative toys such as Legos, but they also love playing traditional "backyard" games as a group. Oberlander says there's no shortage of games that can be played around the house, from making musical instruments out of bowls and spoons, to drawing elaborate works of art on the sidewalk in chalk. All of these activities stimulate a child's imagination by encouraging them to think for themselves, rather than having an electronic entity tell them or guide them.
Children also love dressing up. A great source for clothes is the thrift shop where beautiful gowns and interesting accessories can be purchased for practically nothing. Help children produce plays either using themselves as characters or simple handmade puppets. Keep plenty of art supplies, buttons, pieces of fabric, and other odds and ends around so they can indulge their creativity.
When the TV, computer and video games are off, the imagination turns on. With a little guidance from Mom or Dad, a child's mind can become his favorite toy.
