Absorbing pastimes for a youthful mind.

Absorption. The process of taking in matter of some sort and holding on to it. Whether information to be retained, or more obviously, a sponge to soak up liquid etc.

Talking of sponges ...

My little munchkin turned 6 years old on Wednesday. He was highly excited and is currently looking forward to his Birthday Party tomorrow.  As with any child, he is going through a phase of liking one particular cartoon character above most others. Namely Spongebob Squarepants.  If you've never heard of him, I wouldn't blame you for doubting your eyes, but yes, that is his name. Basically, the cartoon is set below the sea in a city called Bikini Bottom. He is a little yellow fellow (a sponge of course, shaped squarely, well more rectangular really) who wears a little white shirt, a red tie and brown trousers. Getting up to various japes and adventures, my son loves him and tunes in daily to watch. It's silly, funny and I inadvertently end up watching it too. For those who know it, altogether now: "Ooooooooooooooh, who live in a Pineapple under the sea?  SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS! Absorbent and yellow and porous is he! SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS! ...........".

Which, in a roundabout way, brings me to my point. It made me realise exactly how much television my son was watching, especially as he likes to sing the theme tunes to various shows and, not only those, but adverts too! His brain has absorbed so much information that he knows these off by heart, which is a little worrying. Consequently, we (as a family) have been encouraging him to have quiet time. When he can sit and play using his toys and imagination, or to sit and read a book. At the weekends, he is taken to the Park to have a good run around and tire himself out whilst unknowingly keeping fit. We are balancing a modern life with a good old fashioned one!


A Youthful Mind:

It is essential, is it not,
To find the right balance
Of education, fitness and play.
To ensure that it is absorbed,
Encouraged and much fun,
To keep rot of the brain well at bay.

A youthful mind, so like a sponge,
Will thirstily soak up
Everything, with relative ease.
Information, whether verbal,
Visual or by touch,
Taken on board, like 1, 2 and 3.

So listen well and be advised,
Guard your actions and words,
Model behaviour as a template.
Their very future persona,
Rests upon your shoulders,
Set the example to contemplate!

So, not too much television,
Sit down and read aloud,
So much joy can be gained from a book.
Pretend with toys, or make a den,
An adventure awaits you.
Go outside, see nature, get them hooked!


Thanks for reading! :-D