ThinkIng "outside the box"

Mia's version of Candyland. The game board from the box just would not do it for her.

Do you have one of those kids who is head strong and insists on their own way despite the directions?  They can be a challenging bunch, but often those creative thinkers are the visionaries among us.   I have a handful (or two) of creative kids... it is hard not to think outside the box when your mom will not stay in one long enough to let you get comfortable.  Our youngest, who is growing up with ten other perspectives, continues to surprise.  Before we left for vacation, she entrenched herself with Zoo Design - Mia's way.  We had paper habitats all over our schoolroom and paths to follow to see the animals.. based on a map of a park we were going to visit.  

​On the first day of our vacation, she received a plastic cup. One glance at her cup and her mind clung to an idea. When we get home, I am to provide her with brown paper to make a "fawn".  Two days later, she is still thinking about it her future project and shows great excitement with her new idea of adding green trees for her "fawn".  She will not forget this.  When we get home (10 days later) this project will be the first on her list of things to do.  I am afraid, I better have Amazon deliver the paper to those at home so it is ready for her when we return.  When, she is finished, I will post photos of her work for you.  

My suggestion today is to encourage you to support your "outside the box" thinkers.   If possible, provide for them what they need for their visions to take form.  If they "must" go with their thoughts before anything else can possibly happen..  let them fly.  More often than not, the Holy Spirit might be spurring them on to seek something that they "need".   I have learned over the years, that yes, there is a time for rules, direction and order, but when it does not hurt anyone, the chaos of allowing those creative types to just create may teach them more than any curriculum or educational plan could.  A little brown paper (hmm..  and perhaps some intriguing, "selected" books just laying on a table) or even a free plastic cup from a restaurant may save you a bunch of stress and money as opposed to trying to fit your creative, visionary, head strong child into the box:).  And bonus, those headstrong kids are often the ones that may stay committed to the true path as long as their needs to safely push the limits through exploration and design have been met in safe environments with encouragement and support along the way.  You never know, you might just have the next visionary genius under your wing:).

Blessings and Smiles,
​Mrs.  G.