BY NANCY STOOPS
Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I can remember gathering leaves of all colors and shapes, collecting sea shells, and anything else that one might find in the water. I would fill up my wagon with water and create an underwater adventure for everybody to enjoy with the use of a snorkel and mask. My friends and I would put on singing and dancing shows for the entire neighborhood. My brothers and I would create backyard carnivals for everybody to experience. I was always playing dress up and had the ability to become so many different people. This dress up play helped prepare me for all the hats I have worn over the span of my lifetime.
I can remember my imagination was encouraged by my parents, family and friends. I credit that imagination for who I am today. I credit my imagination for making me a creative thinker and a person that always thinks way beyond the box. As I was raising my son, Bryan, he always used his imagination in his play as well. He would create the most wonderful lands in our living room. His creations could literally make you feel as if you were transcended to another world. We would spend days playing in the worlds he created. As an adult, my son is one of the most creative people I have ever met. His imagination was encouraged and totally supported in every way.
Universities are now looking for the well-rounded individual. I think helping your child develop their imagination is an important part of becoming well-rounded and learning to think for yourself and out of the box. Imagination is such a crucial part of play, but also a very important part of many careers. Don’t allow technology to take the place of imagination. Instead, find a way to incorporate both imagination and technology into your life and your child’s life. Don’t be afraid to imagine. Many times our imagination creates a path for our lives.
This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She also runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, groups for teens, and is available as a motivational speaker for employees and organizations. For more information about any of these services, feel free to page her at (626) 935-3818. You may also e-mail her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. Nancy’s new book, “Live Heal and Grow,” is available at www.RoseDogBookstore.com or at Amazon.com.
