A cardboard box is a happy thing, and the bigger the better. It’s not every day you buy a new fridge or washing machine but you can usually pick up a box from places that sell large white goods. A box can become a house or fortress with a little imagination and some rough cutting to form doors, window and parapets. A serrated knife will work better than scissors. Even if you only manage a few large sheets of cardboard you can construct a small space kids will want to play in. You will need to take charge of the knife but let kids direct the design. And they will enjoy decorating the place inside and out with water-based paint.
Dr Toni Risson is a storyteller and a cultural historian who has penned everything from children’s picture books to a PhD on the Magic of Lollies. An expert on the Greek cafe phenomenon, Toni curated Meet Me at the Paragon for the State Library of Queensland, and her latest book, Brisbane’s Greek Cafes: A Million Malted Milks, was a finalist in the 2019 Queensland Literary Awards. Having encountered the elegant Paragon Cafe in Katoomba as a child, Toni developed a fascination with silky oak panelling, bevelled mirrors and Art Deco wall lights long before she understood the stories behind Australia's iconic Greek cafe. She continues to document our lost café culture.
View more posts
how to play with kids 