Hideout Sweet Hideout

 

What is it about a blanket fort? It's like a little home away from home. This weekend, it was just the change of scene my guy needed.

He woke up Friday morning talking about vacations. He wanted to remember every detail of every vacation he has ever taken (it was a pretty short conversation... there haven't been many!) Then he started packing; dragging his belongings through the house and piling them up in front of the door.

Frustrated about it myself, I explained why we couldn't just take off and go to some faraway beachy location any time we want (heavy sigh). But then I felt bad about stomping on his wanderlust. Luckily, it occurred to me to suggest making a tent and a campsite. I was moving furniture before he even agreed (I get even more excited about this kind of thing then he does!)

We built a fort in the living room and it was okay and kind of fun. But when my husband saw it that night, he (of course) had to take it a step further. So he and Jack set to work building another one upstairs. And let's just say that Jack spent the better part of the next two days in, around, under his fort. Tons of creative play ensued: setting it up, filling it with friends (of the stuffed animal variety), making it cozy, and preparing food feasts.

As fun as that was, it somehow led to an even bigger and better fort being built downstairs on Sunday evening. Well. Monday was an adventure of epic proportions. First the fort was a ship. Then it was an airplane. Then an aircraft carrier (the best of both worlds). He ate meals in it. He took a nap in it. He wanted to sleep in it all night. On Tuesday, it still hadn't lost any of its appeal. I'll let you know what it turns into tomorrow.

It's amazing how such a simple activity can take a child from restless and agitated to creative and centered. I'm now officially a true believer in the healing power of the blanket fort.

In my experience: if you build it, they will calm.

Comments

[onemotherslove]

How funny - my son moved his little tent onto his bed this evening, moved all his blankets & animals inside & is sleeping there tonight. : )

[Kathleen]

Packing is my daughter's favorite part of the process. The landing on the way up to our attic has been permanently transformed into her helicopter, and she loads it up with everything she needs for the day's adventure. Dinosaurs, toys for her baby brother, books, and plenty of silks... we take them all to the ends of the Earth!

[Erin Goodman]

Oh how I love this quote: "if you build it, they will calm."

[brooke]

We've been building forts here this week as well, mainly under the dining room table, with big blankets, and we strung an extra strand of Christmas lights up under there too.. which gives the fort a big WOW factor. We call it our "reading fort"!