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Growing up with six brothers and sisters the need for fancy toys was just not there. I don't remember any toys that lit up or made noises. We had great imaginations and improved our hand eye coordination the old fashion way. We had a large enough family to play team sports in our backyard or the park down the street. My parents had a home business so we got kicked outside whenever the decibels rose higher than a low hum.

My mother read to us from a very young age. I remember my favorite stories. Just as much enjoyment can be had now from the same books I loved. The Small Pig that would "sit down and sink down in the good soft mud" brings as much delight to my nieces and nephews as it did me. That well loved book has a prominent place on the bookshelf in my living room today.

It was the simplest things that gave us the most enjoyment and made the best toys. I remember building a house with my brother from a huge cardboard box. My parents helped cut out windows and doors, crayons did the rest. Of course building forts and tents with blankets and living room furniture was always a favorite pastime.

My siblings and I had one game we would play for days. We simply called it "town." It generally started on a rainy day. The playroom floor was quickly transformed into a thriving metropolis. We had "little people" that dwelt in everything from a makeshift airport to a Sesame Street playhouse. Everything else was constructed from blocks and sometimes Lego's. Town quickly spread from the play room; spilling into the hallway, dining room, and living room. There were all kinds of businesses and places to go. Of course our characters all had fascinating names and occupations. They could eat whatever they wanted and stay up til midnight.

We weren't allowed TVs in our bedrooms or cell phones (until we were old enough to drive). Our computer and TV time was limited and monitored. We didn't have any video games. I never felt I missed out. My brothers, sisters, and I learned so much from our play. I have long since gotten over the fact that I never got that Barbie car.

Learn more about this author, Terra L. Fletcher.
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