My husband and I are advocates of wooden toys, so it’s only natural we let our boys play with sticks.
I don’t believe sticks are caca (as I often hear other parents describe at the park as they swat their child’s hand away) and I’m not really that worried about eyeballs getting poked out, as one mother suggested I should be several weeks ago at the very same park.
Of course, I understand and appreciate that sticks pose a certain level of risk while being used, but so do other toys. My youngest had his finger crushed by a remote control car and my oldest nearly choked on a toy car tire several years ago. Kids fall off scooters. They throw sand. They trip while playing tag. They crash riding toys. They slam their fingers under jack-in-the-box lids.
Playing is risky business! But it’s worth it.
Sticks! The Original Wooden Toy
Playing with sticks not only provides a child with a tactile connection to nature, but sharpens fine and gross motor skills and provides them with an opportunity to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
When my kids are building out in the yard, they do so with a goal in mind. Sometimes I might not understand their game, but they play with intention. Additionally, lifting logs, pulling branches, and climbing trees builds physical strength and confidence.
Through playing with sticks, the kids have learned about self-control and following rules. They know to look completely around them before swinging a stick. They understand that under no circumstance should a stick touch another living creature.
These things were taught warmly and firmly, and occasionally reinforced from experience.
Sticks Can Be Anything
Rakes
Passengers
Bouncers
Ponies
Laura Runne says
Whew, after my hurricane recovery I have finally caught up with all the blogs I have missed. Great Ideas in here to use with my niece and nephews. I can’t wait to make slime, and as always an opportunity for puddle jumping will never pass me by!!
Kayla says
I missed this one! Another wonderful post about play, can’t wait for more!
kitchencounterchronicles says
I love the versatility of a simple stick! We are always collecting them on our travels. Thanks for linking to the Outdoor Play Party.
Jana at HowToRunAHomeDaycare says
I agree with you, kids are DRAWN to sticks. It’s an attraction that I can’t stop so I try to make it as safe as possible. To date, no one has ever been injured playing with sticks. Sticks never seem to lose their appeal as well. Thanks for the article, cute pics at the end 🙂
Amy says
You are the first person that says sticks are ok to play with since i had my son. Thank you. I always felt weird to take it away from him because other parents do so.
You made me realize to follow my “common sense” and intuition to be my son’s mom.
Yes playing is a risky business.
Thanks for all the good stuff to share.
firefliesandmudpies says
I’m glad you liked the post!
Bridget Green says
As a mom to three boys who would love to get more outdoor time than they do, I have to say, I agree with everything you said! We have 6 kids and live in an apartment with no yard. The boys especially need time outside, connecting in a real way with the world around them. When they do get time outside, I let them play with just about everything. They love to touch the ground, the grass, the trees, the sticks! They build with them, run with them (the horror!), turn them into horsies and houses. Thanks for “sticking” up for us crazy moms who let our kids play with sticks.
Alba says
Great article, both my little boy and little girl love playing with sticks. I will remember this the next time were are at the park. I usually let them play with sticks, but once in a while I have to say no to playing with sticks. The park we often go to is also pretty popular with dog owners and lets just say some are not that great at picking up after their dogs. There are also some moms that frown upon the kids playing with sticks, so stick playing is left when we are with friends or on our own. I want to recommend two children’s book that my kids love “Not a box” and “Not a stick”
Bridget Green says
We love those books!
Kelly says
Oh my. I haven’t been interrogated by the Stick Police yet. Sticks are coveted property around her. I have a stick hoarder who hides “the good sticks” from his brother and sister.
Elizabeth says
Didn’t realize sticks were considered so bad. Parents can be so overly protective. Reminds me of the mother overheard at the playground telling her kid not to run.
Kevin says
When I was a kid, I would have so much fun with my brother playing in the woods. It was an adventure scouting among the 40+ acres of trees and meadows. We would gather sticks & rocks or whatever else to use as we saw fit to use or play with. Fun days as a kid in the woods.
Thaleia Maher (@Something2Offer) says
Love those photos. My boys LOVE LOVE LOVE sticks:)
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Don’t they all?! Thanks for your comment and compliment!
Emma @ P is for Preschooler says
The love this “ode to sticks” – lol! It’s nature, it’s free and kids love it – how perfect are sticks?! 🙂
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Sticks are pretty perfect!