We were taking a walk around the neighborhood. My kids ran a little ahead of us and found two sticks lying below some tall redwoods. They were giggling uncontrollably when we caught up to them. They had figured out a way to push the sticks ahead of them as they ran. As it bumped across the concrete, the sticks made a Thar Thar Thar. “Look how it vibrates,” said my five-year-old. “I can feel it in my shoulder,” said my eight-year-old. A few minutes later the sticks had been repurposed into bows with plans of opening an archery station at home. They finally transformed into tails that the boys dragged as they ran back home.

I couldn’t help but marvel at the innate ability kids have to transform objects into toys and empty moments into play. You don’t need expensive toys. Growing up in India, I saw little kids play with sticks and tires on the streets. My own kids often preferred pots and pans to store-bought toys. You don’t need destinations to go to. Agendaless summer vacations prompted kids in my neighborhood to do so many projects together – hunt for cashews, hike up hills, put up a self-directed play, dance, play ping pong. I am richer today with those wonderful memories.

A large part of play is imagination. And what it takes to spark imagination is actually very little. As we stay in lockdown worrying about what to do with our kids, it gave me another insight. We don’t need much to keep the kids occupied. We don’t need hours of homework and educational material. It is ok to have nowhere to go. And it is ok to have nothing to do. It is ok to be bored; It is good practice to be bored. In fact, It is lovely to be bored. Because only when you are bored do those wings of boundless imagination spread and transport you anywhere you please.