“Grandchildren don’t 
make a man feel old; 
it’s the knowledge  
that he’s married  
to a grandmother.” 
G. Norman Collie

It has been said that something magical happens when parents turn into grandparents. It’s absolutely true. I have been a “Papa” for more than eleven years now. As of this writing, I have five grandkids, ages 11, 8, 5, 4, and almost 2. From the very start, I have been amazed at the magical nature of having grandkids. Now, even after more than a decade, the magic continues day by day.

Kathy took Henry to the local public library yesterday. They picked up a dinosaur play kit and a few books. Not surprisingly given his age, Henry is fascinated with dinosaurs. He’s not at the point where he can distinguish a stegosaurus from a triceratops yet, but I expect that he will be able to do so in the not-too-distant future. While eating his lunch after returning from the library,  Henry wanted to be sure that all the dinosaurs were well-fed. Then, at nap time, he took one of the reptiles to bed with him. He slept soundly for two hours.

In the afternoon, we went to the park. We left all the dinosaurs from the library at home, but that didn’t stop Henry from imagining that he was playing with a friendly one while climbing on the play equipment. His imagination is incredible, as are his Papa’s AI skills!

It is unsettling to observe that unlike my generation, when, as kids, we played outside, created our own games, made up our own rules, and thrived on putting our imaginations to work, so many kids today are already addicted to hand-held digital devices which keep them entertained, but fail to promote the development of their imagination skills. To see an almost two-year-old playing at a park for an hour and a half without stopping to complain that he’s bored is a true blessing. Henry moved seamlessly from one piece of play equipment to another, thoroughly enjoying himself the entire time.

Yes, there is a magical component to the variety of activities in which one may engage using a hand-held device, but it pales in comparison to the absolute joy and innocence of engaging in genuine childhood play.