Little humans are almost like pets. They get antsy when I coop them up too long under a roof. Moreso when visiting the grandparents’ house for the holidays because it is a new environment, they don’t have their comfort toys, and routine is thrown out the window during holiday vacations. I must take them on excursions outside. If I say to them, “Let’s go on a walk,” they reply with, “That’s boring,” with big sighs and exacerbation.

“Who wants to go find some acorns to feed the squirrels?” This question is met with extreme excitement and joy. Sweaters and shoes are thrown on before I am off the couch.

It makes no difference to them that the nuts they gather are not acorns. The chipmunks are not going to eat out of their hands like they desire. I also see my kids running away so fast if a squirrel comes up to them. But they don’t know that. I don’t need them to know that.

They are going outside for their walk. It is all about perspective. Walking is boring, but gathering seeds and feeding animals is fun.

The journey does not end after they complete collecting the feed. They decide to create a path of acorns leading up to the front door so that the animals can come inside the house. The little ones also leave a large pile of nuts so that the creatures will not go hungry. Every day, they check and see if the acorns are still there.

The youngsters start off thinking walks are lousy but now have the motivation to gather more food and create a home for woodland furries.

I enjoy seeing my tots use their creativity, and I encourage them as much as possible. If I tell them that it is dangerous to have critters in our home, they can dismiss the idea entirely. Instead, I explain to them that squirrels within our walls can eat all of our food and decorations, so if an animal does come inside, we have to make a cage for it, and then it will be sad because it has no friends. After thoughtful consideration, my kids decide that a better idea is to make a habitat for the critter in the backyard where it can come and go. It can stay warm and still be able to play with its friends.

It sounds ridiculous, but I want the kids to get some fresh air, have fun, use their imaginations, get along with each other, and not get on my nerves. Wow, that sure is asking a lot. This journey with the squirrels successfully checks all those boxes.

So many tasks with children can be boring. With inspiration, these tasks change into much more than that. Kids have a limitless amount of imagination if we just allow it to flourish. Sometimes, my son does not want to take a shower, but he enjoys giving his favorite transformer a bath and playing in the tub with his figure. Neither of my rascals wants to pick up the floor at the end of the day, but if the floor is lava, then they save their toys so fast.

I am confident the next time we go to Texas to visit the grandparents, that my littles will be looking forward to saying “hi” to all their creature friends in the trees and checking on their supply of nuts.

Editor: Claudia Cramer