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The Impromptu Racetrack

aka: The last-minute punt to occupy the kids so I could get dinner ready.
aka: I love masking tape.

Last week my husband was out of town on business for four days, leaving me the sole referee for the the crazy 4 and 2 year old that rule my world. Which, most of the time, is fine. But as the dinner hour approaches, things can get a bit harried (understatement). On this particular night I was trying to cook a real meal and the kids were having trouble getting along. Out of sheer frustration and determination to get dinner made, I had a creative burst. I left them squabbling in the family room and walked out into the kitchen, grabbed a role of masking tape, walked back into the family room and began pulling strips of tape out and sticking it to the carpet. The kids stopped what they were doing and watched intently. My four year old asking repeatedly, "What are you doing, Mommy?" To which I replied, "You'll see." In about two minutes time, I created this:




A car garage out of stacking boxes and a racetrack out of masking tape. I grabbed a car and showed them the idea. Asked for their help in loading the cars into the garage and then suggested they build some buildings to make a town around the track.

I walked away and they played happily together until dinner was ready. And the next day. And the next. And the next.

Sometimes the simplest activities are the best.

What do they say? Necessity is the mother of invention?

Yep. Sounds about right.

Until next time, go find something to create with masking tape.

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