Our son Tristan is 16 years old but developmentally a toddler in most areas. Some days I wonder why God gifted me with a forever toddler! Other days, I am grateful. I am thankful because toddlers are fairly easy to entertain. I know toddlers need many activities to occupy their day. However, they do not necessarily require a lot of money.
Recently this happened on our weekend home visit…
Tristan entertained himself in the kitchen while we cooked. He plopped his 16-year-old body on the kitchen floor and searched the pots and pans cabinet for items to play with. Then I reminded myself “always a toddler.”
Immediately I looked at my husband and said, “You aren’t going to want to hear this, but the big box from the new bathtub would make an excellent toy for Tristan.” (He put the giant box outside less than 24 hours ago) He agreed.
I gladly went outside and retrieved the giant box. I knew my idea could flop, because it’s been a while since we have had a large box for Tristan to use, but I know toddlers usually love boxes.
As soon as Tristan seemed bored we showed him the box. We told him he could actually fit in this box! He was happy to use this box as a toy. He giggled when he realized he could fit in it. He thoroughly enjoyed it for the next 24 hours. He laid a blanket and pillow in it to make a fort. He grabbed his tablet to watch his color and shape YouTube videos in it.
And..this was one of those days I am thankful God gifted us with Tristan- our forever toddler! Life slows down for a minute and he teaches us about contentment.