“I MAY HAVE BEEN 8 YEARS OLD BUT MOST LIKELY YOUNGER WHEN I FIRST STARTED. I remember having fun with my friends and cousins when they would visit our home. We played by collecting pillows and cushions from furniture. We stacked them high and wide strapping blankets overtop. Then while underneath and inside, we ruled our own private kingdom. KIDS, FORTS and AMAZING BENEFITS!
As we built those forts, they became much more than a shelter – it was a haven where we would escape to a safe world that belonged only to us. We had no idea we were living what would eventually become our best memories as well as developing creative skills that would last a lifetime”.
WHY BUILDING FORTS IS IMPORTANT FOR KIDS?
It’s a healthy activity allowing them the opportunity to fully explore their sense of creativity.
With so many children glued to the screens of all their digital devices, it’s refreshing to know there are other choices for entertainment and learning. With the freedom to design their own private space, they acquire tangible, real-life skills beneficial to their future lives.
THEY LEARN BY DOING
COGNITIVE and SOCIAL SKILLS – Kids learn how to get along with each other through playful activity. Their thought process develops at an early age when they co-operate and negotiate with other personalities. It’s a wonderful way to have fun and learn vital skills at the same time.
FREEDOM, INDEPENDENCE and PRIVACY – Something we all desire, right? Kids are no different. In fact, allowing them the opportunity to build their own fort design while using materials of their choice, nurtures independence. It also gives them a confidence boost allowing them the freedom to develop their own sense of self.
OUTDOOR PLAY – Good for EXERCISE…and the IMAGINATION
“I wasn’t much more than 10 years old when I moved on from constructing furniture-cushioned huts in my living room to building forts outside. I graduated from an indoor cushion and pillowed fortress to an outdoor get-a-way located in a patch of woods not far from my home. With the help from a few friends, we built bigger and better forts, sanctuaries that protected our newfound way of life. Our friendships blossomed as our work ethics and practical skills improved. We enjoyed playing outdoors even as we braved inclement weather. We adapted to and learned about nature.
We were kids living out exactly what we could imagine – our dreams were coming true.
“IMAGINATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN KNOWLEDGE” Albert Einstein
It’s practically impossible to teach, but imagination can be stimulated by encouraging kids to play outdoors. Playsets, both large and small, can be setup in your own backyard, perfect for kids to ‘dream up’ their own stories while engaging in playful activity. Adding accessories like zip lines, rope ladders and climbing holds guarantees they’ll exercise too. It’s a win/win situation for your children and for you too, as a parent.
“At twelve years old I became an explorer, an adventurist, able to handle my independence no matter how little I earned. I moved my forts off the ground and into the trees. I tied ropes for swinging. I nailed steps for climbing. I was able to see the rooftops of my neighborhood and more important, way beyond. My world became better and more exciting off the ground. Young and curious, I began dreaming new adventures. The experience of having my own space, a wooden box nestled high up within the treetops was priceless. It was a special place where my imagination developed, flourished, and I was able to give it life. I was more than a kid with a treehouse – I was a king ruling my own wooden castle.“
THE BOTTOM LINE…IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FUN
KIDS LEARN FROM OUTDOOR PLAY – Why not provide them a dreamland all their own? With all the creative and intuitive products available today, you could build or assemble a cool playhouse right in your backyard. And don’t forget those awesome accessories – add a rope ladder, swings, a swurf board (yes, I said ‘swurf’), a zip line or even a ninja obstacle course!
Their new imaginative and playful environment will be a wonderful oasis to socialize with friends, to exercise, and to discover exciting new worlds of fun.
Now go and build that fort with your kids! Their imagination is waiting…
BZ
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Attention all Dads! (moms too)
Looking for an adult playhouse of your own? Check this out…They’re a reputable company who offers small structures that can be used for entertaining, as a workshop, an artist’s retreat, storage, or better yet…a personal get-a-way when you’re craving privacy. It’s worth a look, especially of you have plans to expand your home’s living space. I personally recommend. Get a free set of plans too! CLICK HERE.