I love to watch our girls engrossed.
Engrossed usually within the process of something…there doesn’t even always have to be an end result.
Just simply the enjoyment of doing, creating.
Left to their own devices, the vast majority of time our girls will end up messy. Completely absorbed, engaged and totally covered in whatever they’re using.
We have always tried to embrace this. Allowing them space to play and create without the structure and direction of an adult…yes there should be space for these moments too, but with life within the school system so structured for them, time free of these instructions is one where they are able to embrace imagination and creativity.
A time to paint, to make magic potions, touch gooey things and insects and worms. To rescue starfish, get sand between your toes and do cartwheels in the waves. To make mud pies and staple leaves together, to jump in puddles and get wet up to your waist. To skink at the sink and get bubbles on your belly.
Carefree.
A life lived, enjoyed, savoured.
Not in a rush but content to be in the moment.
To feel the soil in your fingers and water on your skin.
To explore and experience the world at your own pace, unhurried and immersed.
Learning.
This messy childhood, this pure and unadulterated joy of childhood which we must not allow ourselves to steal from them.
Linking up with the messy kids competition on The Mad House