There are basic needs in life. One of which is water. Although, for most of us water is nothing special. There is nothing grand about it. We run our taps and it’s there. If you’re fortunate to live in England it falls from the sky most days. However, this isn’t the case for all individuals. Water can be so much more. Next time it rains, don’t complain. Just enjoy the moment and remember that actually it isn’t all bad. Childhood and water, what could be more beautiful?
I went to a museum in Berlin, Germany a couple of weeks ago that was dedicated to the history of children and youths living in Germany. Whilst walking through the museum many exhibits caught my eye but nothing stood out to me more than this wooden scooter and hula hoop. It got me thinking.
Although the scooter and hula hoop above look nothing special it was explained how these were the only toys the poor children of Berlin had many years ago. The houses were so overcrowded that they were unable to use them inside which meant the only time children were allowed to play was outside. A complete contrast to today where children are rarely seen playing outside. The children in a large family shared these two toys. No doubt these were their pride and joy, the most important things in their life. However, looking at them know they don’t seem like much. They are just pieces of wood nailed together after all.
These two toys probably created more joy and happiness than all of the hundreds and thousands of toys children have today. We live in a disposable society where if something breaks it gets replaced immediately with a newer better model. Children nowadays have so many toys to choose from and play with that they probably aren’t even aware what’s at the bottom of the toy box. Rewind a few years and one toy was all children had and all they needed. It provided them with enough joy and happiness to last a last time. It’s sad how this is no longer the case and how every child ‘needs’ cupboards and boxes full of toys.
So, here is a mission for all you parents out there. Make a change and don’t buy any new toys for your child for a month. Can you do it? Maybe the toys at the bottom off the toybox will be rediscovered.
everythingchild 