Children’s Day 2014

Tags

Children's Day, Family, Inspirational, Parenting

Today’s International Children’s Day is a reminder that not all children experience childhood as a time of adventure, laughter and learning.

My sons were blessed to live in a place where their days were filled with simple childhood joys.

And, I was the blessed mother to live it with them. This A to Z of my five sons childhood is a celebration of that freedom.

What are little boys made of?

Slugs and snails

And puppy-dogs’ tails,

That’s what little boys are made of.

So True.

But oh, so much more.

Here’s an

Amazement at agility to swing on branches high enough to scarce themselves.

Bathtub rings of mud, experiments and bog slime from swimming.

Cats lunged, carried upside down, loved exceptionally.

Doctor trips taken for stitches, casts and concussions.

Eyes brimming with ‘we’re innocent’ boyish smirks.

Flowers given with glowing smiles, picked from neighbour’s gardens.

Gerbil clinched too tight, tossed too high or within our walls.

Hugs freely given, kisses freely ignored.

Insects inside, outside, bottled, pinned.

Jumping monkeys on springy beds.

Keeping brotherly companionship, always.

Lego ‘land mines’ in every room.

Mother’s Day cards, soft with sentiment.

Noisy birthday parties, creative cakes, favourite dishes.

Opening wished for gifts, remembering thank you.

Punching, fist fighting bouts, quickly forgiven.

Quilts hiding flashlights, immersed in books.

Rambunctious quietened voices planning secret excursions.

Sandbox hours making castles, islands and exploding rockets.

Torn-up mattresses braced on deep stairs, made to slide on.  

Upside down hanging from steel railings, benches and beds. 

Various war games, guns and toys.

Wet snow suits barely dried, worn again.

Xcessive ‘bodily’ noises, amidst delighted giggles.

Yelling out first: I get the front seat!

Zooming way too fast through childhood.

Thanks to my lads for these experiences of so much love, laughter and pure silliness!

(One of many family ‘cake’ photos).