There’s Something About Kids and Water

“Do we have to wear our coats?” Today was my recess duty day. After a long winter of wearing my snow pants, coat, neck gator, mittens, and hat I was able to go outside with – nothing extra on but my puddle boots. The playground is one big melting mess with puddles and streams running through melting snow, ice, and mud. The kids were required to wear snow pants and boots to keep their clothes dry. But no coats! Just try to keep kids out of water – it’s not possible. There is a magnetic attraction. Some teachers get really perturbed with the kids playing in the puddles. When I look down at the streams of water running across the playground I am taken back to my own childhood. I remember a similar spring day when I found a stream of water amongst melting the ice and snow. I took off my boots and socks, rolled up my pant legs and waded in. It was exhilarating! It was mystical. I was really getting away with something. This memory is one of my most treasured. So when I see the school kids wading into the water as if drawn by some overwhelming unconscious power. I remember the feeling. Oh, I remember!