It's joyous being a kid. Everything is fun. But as we grow older the carefree nature of childhood can be squished (that's a kids word) by the need to be sensible. This is appropriate if you're sat at a boardroom table, or in the pilot's seat of a 747, but there are times when we should just let go of our inhibitions and, well, scream with laughter. I'm writing this after reflecting on a recent walk with my 8 year old son and our two German Shephard dogs. We'd had heavy rain after a long dry spell and our route was littered with puddles and bogs. Worried by muddy shoes and paws I found myself repeating commands such as 'stay out of the mud, go around that puddle'. But where's the fun in that? Shoes can be cleaned, clothes can be washed and dogs can be bathed. The mud and dirt can be washed away but maybe the effects of restricting a child's (or dog's) fun can't. So now, if it has rained or if it's raining I encourage fun. In fact I join in myslef. We all jump in puddles and we all sing, dance or bark in the rain. And everyone, me included, is far happier for it!
