"Stop Sword Fighting in the Living Room" - And Other Things You Never Thought You'd Say

Uh, yeah- I've said that. Along with-
"Stop pretending the chickens are dragons- you're scaring them."
"Please don't lick the wool- you're twelve you should know better.- I think." (as I sniff it to see if there is something I'm missing).
"I'm going to have to give a big, giant 'No' to the idea of sneaking into a hotel just to use their pool- they wouldn't like that but the ninja outfit and ski mask are brilliant."
and,
"I don't know why princesses in fairy tales only marry princes and never other princesses, it is strange isn't it? We could rewrite a couple- good idea."

Oh yes, there are so many things I've said that I would never fathom having to say. The children seem to have retained open hearts just by the surroundings they were raised in and I can't take the credit for that- there are so many other factors- our city, our friends, our family, our pets, our neighborhood- it's a ripple effect.
The swords were made by their father who carefully thought of each child before embarking on the journey of each wooden creation. Then, of course there are the bows and arrows, the tools of Robin Hood and his merry band- of course all the children are Robin or his sister in their play.
These tools have been loved and used and I still have to say, "Put the sword down."
"Don't shoot arrows in the house."
"Wands are not for poking people."
and "No unforgivable curses!"
Even now they get so far into their roles as knights and warrior princesses and princes that they are completely immersed in another world-- and they are teenagers and tweens- except for the littlest who is on the brink of double digits- but not until next year. Pretend play is still intact and real for them and with that simple reality, things become that much more magical.

These are the gifts, these are the joys- of raising children - human beings that are always becoming.