Play is a gift that keeps on giving. Play was creative to co-design loosely structured play, which usually took place out of doors. Like reading Winnie-the-Pooh at naptime, then going to play poos-sticks ourselves at a local park. Play was fun and empowering for them--an early experience in collaboration.

And this insight-- At the time I thought I was investing my time and energy and resources for my children's benefit. Now, decades later, it is me who is benefitting. Many of the activities did not last in my children's memories into adulthood, yet they remain as part of the fabric of my memories and are a comfort and joy as I walk further and further from my mothering years, now decades ago.