Why do children love creating dens?
I’d never considered it before but I have often been fascinated by how my children love to make nests and dens to put either themselves or their teddies in
I always thought it was about having a secret space
And then it came to me about structure and boundaries
How it is so important for the structures around us to be defined by us
Often after creating them
They will say things like
“Only teddies and me are allowed in”
“You can see out from here”
“you can only get in if you say the password”
Such beautiful boundaries
I hope they always keep such a strong sense of their own needs
We unlearn it as adults
As we people please
Or we feel guilty
But if you were to build a den with your inner child,
Who would you let in?
How would they enter?
And how would they treat you when they are inside?
What will you play?
I hope you enjoy exploring
If your inner child is happy and safe
The chances are you will be
Photo: The Roundhouse at Limetree Farm, Grewelthorpe