The human brain is responsible more functions than we can count, but the phenomenon of imagination is one that I can never get enough of.

When you stop to think that in your mind’s eye, you can conceptualize and visualize a project or idea, and make it come to life — that’s incredible.

However, the amount of imagination you or I exert on a daily basis is a fraction of that of the average 5-yearold. Without a second thought, their little mind will transform a cardboard box into a fully furnished chateau, or a Hot Wheel into an Aston Martin. And the thing is, when your child starts to use their imagination, it comes as naturally as breathing to you and I.

The amygdala and hippocampus (centers for imagination) will fire right up the minute their tiny eyes open.

Oftentimes as adults, it’s easy to want children to live in the “real world.” A kiddo with a big imagination is often reminded to “get their head out of the clouds.” While you have good intentions, wanting the child to focus on the task at hand, it inadvertently can cause a negative correlation with using their imagination.

It may derail the train that is departing from imagination station.

I truly believe that the imagination is something that if you don’t use you lose. Of course your imagination doesn’t just disappear one day. It’s always there, tucked in behind all the anxiety and stress we’ve piled up through the years of adulthood. It still works, but to be honest we really only use it when we have to.

Somewhere, along the way, almost every adult took the advice and pulled their head out of the clouds. Nobody really remembers where or when or how it happened, we just know that at some point our daydreams turned into schedules, and our cardboard castles turned into cubicles.

It’s not a crime to grow up — there’s no stopping it — but it’s also important to remember, don’t make your child grow up before they have to.

Next time you think to reel your child back in from the waters of imagination, maybe stop and take a swim with them. Ask them to tell you about the amazing mythical creatures that are grazing on the fields of cotton candy in front of you.

Inquire about the vehicle you’re riding in. Watch the way the child’s face lights up when they tell you all about the world they’ve created, because in that moment, it leaves their imagination and becomes part of yours as well.

This is a wonderful way to make your child feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Knowing that their adult is willing to join them and have fun with them means more to them than you know.

All aboard, now boarding for imagination station.

Drake Thomas is a behavior intervention specialist at the Cassville school district and is a Cassville High School graduate. He may be reached at dthomas@
cassville.k12.mo.us.