I asked my daughter for an idea for
Just Add Light, and she said "water."
Holly has played in small water and large, and suggested I recommend water play for its soothing effects, and for being one of the least expensive materials for exploration and entertainment. Bowls, pans and measuring cups. Water in sand or dirt. Showers and bathtubs. Wading pools. Ice makes a good floating toy. Ice cubes, or ice frozen into a mold, a pan, or a plastic bag will not need to be cleaned up or put away later. Ice in a wading pool. Ice in a sand box. Ice in a toy dump truck.
There was a time when Holly took two or three baths a day, just to be in the water, playing with a wash cloth, a colander, a funnel and some cups. She would listen to music and sing.
When our kids were very young, we would put a thick towel on the patio, set out shallow pans of water, little cups and bowls, and let the baby pour and splash.
For older kids and adults, a float or a swim, if possible, or some new soap and a long shower can make a difference in mood and moment.
Letting water run over your hands, feeling the smooth, gentle flow can move you toward peace.
photos by Sandra Dodd
SandraDodd.com/water (←that page is newer than this post)
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