Updated: Jan. 4, 2021
Originally Published: July 21, 2016
In our household, the delivery driver makes frequent stops, bringing packages filled with everything from camping gear to the latest novels. While my partner and I appreciate the convenience of online shopping, it’s the packaging that truly excites our children.
The moment we tear through the tape, the kids eagerly await their turn to claim the boxes and the poppable air cushions that come with our deliveries. They can’t wait to jump on the air bags, squealing with delight as they burst with a satisfying POP! Once the air bags are gone, the boxes become the center of their universe. One day, it might be a spaceship; the next, a majestic dragon or a cozy fort. Armed with crayons, they unleash their creativity, turning simple cardboard into masterpieces, and can easily keep themselves entertained for hours.
Despite the abundance of toys in our home, my children seem to prefer the items that others might consider trash. Amazon boxes are a hit, but their ingenuity extends to stacking used Jell-O cups, doodling on cardboard, and utilizing plastic cups in their imaginative kitchen creations.
Battle-ready, their second-favorite activity involves turning anything into a sword. Cardboard seems to be their material of choice, but anything with a pointy edge works too—be it a chewed-up back-scratcher or a foam noodle left out in the elements. Their creativity knows no bounds as they wield their makeshift weapons, finding joy in the simplest of objects.
Next on the list are whips. Any piece of twine or ribbon transforms into a playful lasso or whip, prompting us to remind them to take their antics to another room. Sometimes, they even create whips from glow sticks, delighting in the sound they make as they swoosh through the air. They’ll tie ropes onto their play structure and use them to climb, often commandeering items like my partner’s robe tie for extra reach.
Old magazines also fall prey to their artistic endeavors. My spouse has collected National Geographic issues for years, but instead of reading them, our kids turn the pages into collages, snipping and gluing without any regard for the original content. While I cringe at the mess and the need for close supervision with scissors, I recognize the value of their creative expression.
The bathtub is another treasure trove of possibilities. Old plastic spoons and empty shampoo bottles become tools for imaginative play, while rare soda bottles are prized possessions for their pouring capabilities. Although we own actual bath toys, they seem to be forgotten in favor of these recycled treasures.
Some might argue that allowing my children to play with what others consider refuse is questionable parenting, but I see it differently. Their imaginative play is fueled by creativity, and I’d much prefer they engage with these “toys” than the countless plastic items collecting dust. When they interact with these unconventional materials, I witness their minds at work, exploring and creating in ways that traditional toys seldom inspire.
As they await the next Amazon delivery, hack up pizza flyers, and experiment with bath toys, I see the joy and innovation in their play. It may seem like trash to some, but in our home, it’s a pathway to creativity, and that’s the real treasure.
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Summary:
Children often gravitate towards unconventional play items, like boxes and other discarded materials, sparking their creativity and imagination. Despite having plenty of toys, they find joy in transforming what many may consider trash into tools for play. This imaginative engagement highlights the importance of allowing children the freedom to explore and innovate with everyday objects.