Cathy's Creative Corner: The Power of Imagination
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of looking after three little ones. They’re stair-step kids, ages two, three and four. Although the baby girl still speaks a language of her own, I was surprised at how well she did repeat what she heard her older sister and brother say. The older two had tablets they clung to and the baby had her own tote-along computer. But I had something better!
In the living room, where I planned to watch the games all day, I set up an area with a child-size, vintage kitchen set. One part is a free-standing counter with an attached chair for a doll. On top, the counter has a sink and storage space for small plates and utensils. Below the counter are shelves for more storage. However, the kids turned these shelves into bunk beds for other dolls. The other part to this kitchen set is a combination stove/serving area. One side is the stovetop and oven, while the other side is a countertop with lower shelves for supplies or to display your “cooked” dishes. Seeing how there’s a little twirling sign that states “Open” or “Closed,” I’m guessing this may be a café kitchen.
As stated earlier, the kids came with tablets so I had to furnish them with dolls. The dolls just happen to be hand-made Cabbage Patch-style dolls with yarn for hair. One was made in 1982, one in 1985 and my Mama Bunny was crafted in the same time frame. And let me not forget about my Washington Redskin Troll! I rubbed his hair for good luck back when I was a Redskin fan, before the Panthers came along. Troll just takes up space now beside my Panther Paw, so I brought him in on the fun. Now he’s missing his pants and a shoe, which I’m sure I’ll find once I move around a few more things.
All in all, the kids really enjoyed working with their imaginary pots and pans and cooking their imaginary foods and having me taste their imaginary dishes! One time, the oldest child even pretended to sample something, said it was nasty, and threw it in the imaginary trashcan! It took all I had not to roll with laughter! One could tell they’ve been in the kitchen with mom while she cooks. The youngest didn’t get as much time to cook as her older sister and brother but she ran up the water bill constantly washing her hands with the imaginary water. Mom must wash her hands a lot! I remember their dad once making a remark about mom and her hand sanitizing.
The cutest part was watching them take their dishes and spread them all over my living room. The boy had claimed the couch ottoman. It was long enough for a nice spread of food. His sister had the end tables but she seemed to get all her imaginary dishes to fit. Baby sis just kept washing her hands. And then it happened! The two cooks started fussing over the stove. Next thing I know, big sis is rolling up and down the ottoman to the screams and tears of her little brother. Caught off guard, I asked him what happened. Why was he crying? He said, “FatFat [his sisters’ nickname] rolled over my food!” I’m talking real tears, people. Real tears. Needless to say, it was time to pull out the tablets and put aside the kitchen.
When their parents returned, the kids couldn’t wait to tell them about all the cooking they’d done. I promised the children next time I’d have food you could see. After packing up their uneaten snacks and getting shoes back on, everyone was ready to go. As mom carried the smallest girl out, I got a whiff of hand sanitizer. Baby girl looked back over her mom’s shoulder as if to say, “And you thought I was playing.”
