Tags

, , , , , ,

When I think about it, there are a few constants of young childhood.

Farm animals; stacking blocks; those magnetic letters and…

….colouring.

Which brings me to the letter R.

Bring on the Rainbows!

Links to source

I’m not sure there is anything more universally drawn in childhood than rainbows.

Okay, maybe houses, stick figures and flowers?

But rainbows are pretty huge.

And once you move beyond rainbows proper, the idea of colouring everything in “all the colours of the rainbow” is also pretty big.

Like this piece my youngest did recently:

Or then there is the DIY rainbow crayon world:

Okay – these ones are shaped like bunnies so they won! You can get the instructions on how to make them here.

And the magic land of Color Wonder that my youngest currently ADORES.

Links to source

Getting out of colouring and into toys and crafts, here’s a sampling of other experiences we’ve had with rainbows in our house to date:

That first stuffy is one of my eldest’s current favourite Beanie Boos. Fruit by the foot and roped candy provides endless fun. We currently own a couple sets of hama beads in my quest to improve the fine motor skills of my eldest. My Little Pony’s Rainbow Jack exists a couple of times over in toy boxes in our home. Those mini elastic bracelets hit big at daycare a couple of years ago when my daycare providers eldest started handing them out. And that last dude? No idea who he is, but my youngest got him for Christmas one year.

Out shopping recently, we had to choose a card for my father’s birthday. The choice was simple for my 4-year-old. How could he not love this one:

Inside message reads: “Wishing you every flavor of fun! Happy Birthday”

Then there is the magic and possibility of rainbows that forever enthrall. My eldest routinely tells me of dreams involving going over the rainbow, or sliding down a rainbow, or what’s on the other side of the rainbow.

Our rather elderly car was leaking fluids all over our driveway for a short stint.

I was annoyed.

But there was my 4-year-old to quickly point out how the sun hit the trickle of whatever was leaking from our car and:

Look Mommy! A rainbow!

There is something to be said for always trying to find the brightness, the colour and the magic.

Having children sometimes helps me get some of that back again.

And lastly, because I can’t not think of it when I think rainbows, let me leave you with a little wistful ukulele grooving on the subject. Here’s Over the Rainbow (1939) – as recorded by Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwo’ole (1993) from the 50 First Dates Soundtrack:

Advertisement