Cardboard Sleds “In Our Fabric” (Ages 3-8)
The following quiz is designed to test your ability to think like a child. For which one of the following is your child most likely to want to use a cardboard box for?
A. In a three-dimensional, stationary state holding old rags?
B. In a flat, two-dimensional, stationary state soaking up oil drips?
C. In a three-dimensional, stationary state as a kitty litter box?
D. In a flat, two-dimensional, in-motion state as a downhill sled?
If you guessed A, B, or C, or had to think about it before you answered, or thought an in-motion state was California, USA (known for earthquakes), then just give the box to your child and trust his or her instincts.
It appears, built into the fabric of each and everyone one of us is the desire to GO FAST. No doubt, long ago, there were sound evolutionary reasons for this instinct (running after your food, or running to keep from becoming food). Today though, moving quickly is probably no longer necessary, yet the instinct remains.
All I know is, when you give your child a flattened cardboard box, on any smooth surface with an incline, you can witness the instinct by the way of hearing and seeing first hand.
YOU WILL HEAR:
• “It’s my turn.”
• “Let’s all get on.”
• “Wait for me!”
• “I want to sit in front.”
• “Not yet, I’m not ready.”
• “Ouch!”
• “Hold on!”
• “Faster, faster, faster.”
• “Eeeee!”
• “Slooow dooown!!”
• “I’m falling off!”
• “My bottom hurts.”
• “Let’s do it again!”
• “Whoooooh!”
• “Aaaahhh!”
• “Go this way.”
YOU WILL SEE:
• Beaming faces
• Wide eyes
• Seated positions
• Crashing
• Standing positions
• Going backwards
• Going sideways
• Tumbling
• Children on their backs
• Going forwards
• Spinning
• Falling
• Kids on their stomachs
• White knuckles
• Mouths and bodies in perpetual motion.
When the cardboard sled is tattered and ragged, unable to negotiate one more incline, you’ll be able to retire it to the garage floor, where it will live out its days absorbing oil drips. Where, then, will you get a new bobsled? Try the “old rags” box.
Rex Bowlby is the father of two boys. He is the author of the book, Why Would I Want the Toy, When I Can Have the Box? (101 Ways to Make the Most of Your Children, With the Least from Your Wallet*) *For parents with children ages 3-8. He lives in Los Angeles, California, USA.