There are invisible dragons that live in our backyard.
And while you may not see them upon first glance, they are certainly there, at least in the imagination of one 4 year-old boy.
Sometimes I am lucky enough to be invited into that world.
Excited whispers about which dragons may be ahead…
The black one rustling in the corn stalks is nice.
There are sea dragons beneath the water in the pond.
Whoosh! His sword cuts through them easily as he defends me from one that has crept upon the shore.
To some we may look a little strange, carrying our shields and swords and fighting foes no one else can see.
But there is serious work going on through our imaginative play.
He is developing creativity, language skills, problem solving… He is taking the lead and directing our play; we are bonding over our adventure.
And I am honored that he lets me into this world. 
I pray he continues to let me into his world as he grows up.
Robbie says
Imagination is such a powerful thing. I hate that it so often gets squashed instead of nurtured in young children. Love how much you value it.
OneMommy says
So true. It seems they start being told there is a “right” way to do things early on. I hope they keep their amazing imaginations a bit longer.
Ugochi says
Amen! You are indeed honoured, I pray my children let me into their world always too.
Andrea B (@goodgirlgonered) says
How sweet! I love that he lets you into his imaginary world like that. Kids are so open and it’s so very real. Thanks for sharing a few moments with us!
Shell says
Don’t you just love their imaginations?
OneMommy says
Yes, I do! 🙂 It is even more fun listening in on him and big sister’s adventures.
Emma says
I love when I’m invited into my 4-year-old’s pretend play. They can come up with some pretty creative things! Today I went on a treasure hunt with a pirate and her secret map! lol
OneMommy says
Oh, we have been on some treasure hunts here, too! Last time he kept using the same map and hiding the treasure in different spots. Then he’d get all excited when he found it. 4-year-olds are such fun! 🙂
Julia says
Oh I love this my son is almost 3 and his imagination is just the sweetest thing ever.
Keri says
I wrote about imagination this week too. There is just something magical about imaginative play. It gives kids a way to deal with anything that might come their way.
OneMommy says
I loved your post! I never thought of the pun of May the 4th for Star Wars Day until I read your post — duh! Love it!
Donna DM Yates says
I love this one. Some people don’t have great imaginations. I’ve been asked more than once how do I come up with my stories. It’s easy. My parents let me keep my imagination. Those worlds exist to children who learn a lot from their playworlds. You are a great friend to your son, besides being his mother. Throughout his life, he’ll remember this and pass it on to his children.
OneMommy says
Thank you. I am hoping that as they grow up they have fond memories of some of the activities we do together. I know I cherish them.