Boys Toys · Tuesday March 6, 2007 by Rose
The boys have made themselves swords out of Kid Knex, and shields out of lego bases (with lego handles). Quite ingeneous however it has led to a lot of “accidents” as they play “battles”.
Over the years I’ve realised that, much as I hate to admit it, there are certain things that appear to be programmed into boys that will come out regardless of their upbringing! Mine never had guns or swords bought for them – working on the theory that they needed no encouragement.
They can, it seems, use anything as a weapon!
I found a great idea today, whilst searching for some “boys craft”: a (relatively) safe boffer! Despite looking rather scary, its just made of pvc pipe (that you use for plumbing) and foam. Can definately see this being a hit (no pun intended!) at our next craft session..
I also downloaded some great worksheets on crafts using recycled items. My best is this one for milk bottle masks. A very neat idea with lots of potential and again something I hope will appeal to the boys.
This afternoon we went to the indoor play area that our HE group meets at fortnightly. By coincidence, all 5 families there only had boys – 9 between us! Despite the age range – 2-11 – they all played really well and there were no fights nor meltdowns.
The parents all got a good chance to chat too, putting the world to rights!
Back home to a nice meal, as I’d put something in the slow cooker this morning, which is good as I feel extremely tired again this evening.
The boys seem to have separated off, with JJ watching a Harry Potter film on his pc and SJ and WD downstairs using the cushions as a “nest”. WD is in a serious mood with me though as I told him he is far too young to watch Harry Potter.
SJ got in a similar mood earlier today when he’d gone to the shops with his Dad and brothers to look for a new pc game. I know not everyone shares my attitude, but I do try to keep a close watch on the sort of games they are allowed to play; if nothing else I find that neither SJ (with Aspergers and ADHD) nor JJ (with his “highly strungness”) need the stimulation that some of the more involving and/or fighting games can give.
This does not always make us popular parents, but it is one of the very few areas that dh and I are immovable on, and one of the rare occasions when it really is a case of “because I say so” and it is not up for discussion.
Fortunately, he got over his anger; it wasn’t helped by the shop not having the actual game he went in there for and he still is unable to cope with things not turning out the way he pictures them in advance in his head. I’m slowly learning that there is nothing much I can do, just be patient, at times like that.
