Legos and Life at the Little Yellow House

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego

A few days ago the National Museum of History in Washington, D.C. hosted a Lego brick building event to commemorate National Inventor’s Month. Children of all ages were asked to help build a colossal light bulb – ever synonymous with the spirit of the “bright idea” – and the turnout was impressive. It took 2 days to do it, and the end result was an 8 foot tall and 6 foot wide primary-colored light bulb comprised of more than 300,000 Lego bricks.

Of course, Giant, age 5, was thrilled when he saw it on the news. And Elf, age 2, was thrilled because Giant was beside himself with delight. You see, Legos are the epicenter of my children’s imaginations. I secretly believe that our collection, purchased at a consignment store while visiting relatives up north, actually has magnets in it. Elf and Giant can’t seem to stay away from the Lego’s powers of possibility.

If you haven’t ever heard of them before, Legos are irritatingly small, vibrantly bright square and rectangular plastic pieces with interconnecting knobs. It can take you hours to build anything, let alone a light bulb. Heaven help you if you happen to step on one in bare feet.

Of course I’m happy because my kids are happy, but for entirely different reasons.*

I find myself smiling to have stumbled onto an activity that both Giant and Elf actually enjoy doing together. We still have our moments and our difficulty with sharing, which is only natural at this stage of the game. However, within the framework of our “teachable moments,” these crazy pieces of plastic are the first common denominator to link our five year old’s interests and skill level with our two year old’s. They play for long periods of time. They have shown that they can play together peacefully! Elf can work the little bricks with her enthusiastic fingers while Giant can create more intricate designs and configurations. Elf was overjoyed when she made her first Lego airplane. “I did it!” she cried. Giant gave her a high five. In turn, Giant often says, “Hey, come check this out!” And here comes Elf.

Yet the skills that the kids are using and expanding far exceed fine motor skills. This morning, I overheard Giant say to Elf, “I’ll go help you find some more treasure.” And he proceeded to help Elf collect a treasure box of “jewels.” They’re expanding their ability to love, support and nurture each other. And the great thing is they don’t even know it. I can’t help but giggle at the thought.

Legos may be plastic, but to us at the Little Yellow House, these tiny colorful bricks are connecting my children to each other – one piece at a time.

When you were a kid, what activities brought you together with your sibling(s) and friends?

And last but not least…some words of thanks are in order. At the Little Yellow House, we’d like to thank a few folks who contributed to the writing of this blog:

Thank You, Gramma Clock, for the gift of our Lego bin! You’re such a wonderful Mom to me and a fabulous Gramma to the kids. We’re richly blessed to have you in our lives.

Thank you to Stephanie Perez, whoever you are and wherever you are. You have shared a very special gift with our family. Thanks for passing on your Legos.

And a final thank you goes to the fine folks at the Matthew 25 consignment shop in Lititz, PA. Keep doing the important and spirit affirming work that you do every day.

*I am not a paid employee of Lego nor are any of my family members…at least not yet!

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