by Tara Lazar (from 2014)
When I was growing up, there was an entire section of my home that was roped off. Like a nightclub, a velvet rope draped across the threshold to the living and dining area, off limits to my grubby little hands. A plush sectional beside the picture window always beckoned me, and I’d sneak there to read a book. Many times I’d crawl into the dining room and sit criss-cross-applesauce under the table, where no one could find me, and where I could get a glimpse of our house the way I rarely saw it. It was wondrous, under the table and dreaming (sorry for the borrow, Dave Matthews). I could pretend I was somewhere else because the perspective I had, under that glass and chrome 70’s behemoth, was unique, unusual. I was at home, but also somewhere else.
So now, every once in a while, I sit underneath my own dining room table. To me, it’s the perfect kid’s perspective. I see the world as a child might, peering only at legs and loafers. You know how you never see an adult’s face in Charlie Brown? How they’re just an unintelligible trumpet waah-wahhh-wah-waaaa? That’s the childlike mystique I’m seeking when I sit beneath the table. I see the world a little differently, but yet it’s still familiar, as it is my own home.
Go ahead, take up a spot in your home where you rarely sit to rest: the closet, the corner, the stair landing. Make it your nook, your secret hideaway. Look at everything as if a child might, looming larger above you. Grab a blanket and pillows and make a fort. Steal away. Remember those fantastical childhood moments when you were somewhere else, but yet safe and protected at home. It’s a feeling you can recreate to help you delve deeper into the heart of your tale. You’ll be changing your perspective to that of a child—visually and emotionally.
And, if you’d like, sneak some cookies and milk with you. I won’t tell anyone where you are.
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574 comments
Comments feed for this article
January 12, 2019 at 8:08 am
Jay
Such a great idea! Love it.
January 12, 2019 at 8:10 am
Patricia
Thank you for the reminder that if we’re going to write for children, we must revisit the child within us.
January 12, 2019 at 8:12 am
writersideup
I remember this one, Tara, and like most of the other posts you’ve brought back (loving that, btw—smart!), this is a valuable gem 🙂 I’d love to crawl under a table, but it’s such a struggle getting back up! lol I think I’ll take the stairs 😉
January 12, 2019 at 8:17 am
Tina Cho
Hmm, need to go vacuum first. Thanks for the reminder, Tara.
January 12, 2019 at 8:21 am
kirsticall
Love this! So MUCH fun!!! Now to find a nook.
January 12, 2019 at 8:26 am
Manju B. Howard (@ManjuBeth)
Thanks for sharing a post from the past! Hanging out with my pups around the house gives me a different perspective. I like sitting on various stairs.
January 12, 2019 at 8:32 am
Linda Chavez
Nice reminder of child’s perspective. Thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 8:32 am
authorlaurablog
I thought we were the only ones who had to be in our party clothes to sit in the living room and dining room!
A fresh perspective is an excellent idea. 😊
January 12, 2019 at 8:38 am
betlw
What a great idea, Tara, to sit on the floor and look at life from a child’s view. They truly only see legs and butts. Not a very interesting view. Thanks for the idea. Love your post.
January 12, 2019 at 8:40 am
sarahheturadny
Hello Tara! Thank you for the post! I like sitting on the Yogibo (it’s a giant pillow – I didn’t know before it was gifted to us) in front of the TV and looking UP at the world. I also like sitting in the middle of the dining-living room floor and painting or writing. Sometimes, I lay on the futon, and my three-year-old sits in front of me, and I notice how she looks bigger when I’m laying down. I like laying on the kitchen floor, doing my physical therapy, noticing what the ceiling looks like from a “low” position. I’d really like to be a bug on my walls sometime (but that’s not a child’s perspective, is it?). OH, and when it’s not cold out, laying on a blanket under our apple trees and observing is GREAT! Thanks! Sarah
January 12, 2019 at 8:40 am
Artelle Lenthall
Hmm, interesting concept. Nowhere was out of bounds for me, but when a family visited, we children were shuffled off or chose often enough to a bedroom or the backyard. Thanks for sharing Tara
January 12, 2019 at 8:45 am
Linda P. Epstein
Criss-cross applesauce, indeed! ❤️
January 12, 2019 at 8:47 am
Midge Ballou Smith
Thanks,Tara! Enjoyed this!
January 12, 2019 at 8:52 am
reluctantspy
I always felt at home outdoors, preferably climbing a tree.
January 12, 2019 at 8:53 am
Liz Healey
The gift of perspective, indeed!
January 12, 2019 at 8:55 am
Laura Purdie Salas
We moved this year, and I have not yet done this in my new home. Maybe it will finally be my turn to scare my husband when he realizes I’m watching everything from under the dining room table. He’s always jumping out from behind things and scaring me!
January 12, 2019 at 8:58 am
Andrea Mack
Great idea! (Though whenever I get down on the floor at home, my big dog thinks he should stand in front of me and I end up seeing a wall of fur!).
January 12, 2019 at 8:58 am
teacherwriteracker
Under the kitchen table was a great hideout when I was a kid. Thanks for the reminder to literally change my perspective and see through the lens of a child.
January 12, 2019 at 9:00 am
Mark Bentz
Great post, a reminder of who we are writing for. Thank you Tara for all you do.
January 12, 2019 at 9:00 am
Nancy Riley
Ah, pillow forts, those were the best! Thanks for taking me back and how to recapture a child’s perspective!
January 12, 2019 at 9:00 am
Rebecca Colby
It’s so important to get a child’s perspective on the world when writing. Thanks for this reminder!
January 12, 2019 at 9:02 am
Lisa Schnell
Thanks for the story. And I love that photo!
January 12, 2019 at 9:03 am
rimna
Great idea – thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 9:07 am
Lizzy Rizzi
So fun, Tara! Thanks for all you do!
January 12, 2019 at 9:11 am
Robin Brett Wechsler
Great reminder to get a child’s perspective – literally. Thanks, Tara! I liked the photo of you and Bo too.
January 12, 2019 at 9:12 am
Angela De Groot
Thanks, Tara. I’ll be combining your suggestion with number 5 from Katie Davis’s 30 Days of Inspiration list.
January 12, 2019 at 9:14 am
mlflannigan
I love secret spots too 🙂
January 12, 2019 at 9:14 am
Nicole M
This brought me back to my own childhood! Love the tips here!
January 12, 2019 at 9:16 am
kiwijenny
I am going to use the under the table idea and make a fort too and cushions on the floor to save us from sharks.
January 12, 2019 at 9:17 am
Erik Ammon
It’s amazing how your perspective on things, and life, can change when you put yourself in the position of a child (or animal). You can get some wonderful ideas!
January 12, 2019 at 9:17 am
Lisa Robinson
A treehouse is a good place, too!
January 12, 2019 at 9:19 am
Mary Warth
Great perspective Tara! Thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 9:24 am
Erica Joseph
Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2019 at 9:25 am
polly renner
Ha Ha Ha Tara! My son has a loft bed that’s great for forts and hiding:>
January 12, 2019 at 9:27 am
Rebecca
I haven’t sat under the table for a long time, but I do sit on the steps a lot. Might be time to try under the table again!
January 12, 2019 at 9:32 am
celticsea
Thanks Tara! I love the idea of building a fort inside my house somewhere. I definitely need suggestions on how to reconnect with my inner child.
January 12, 2019 at 9:32 am
gayleckrause
I used to play with my mother’s elf figurines that sat on a lower shelf of a coffee table in the living room. Nobody ever used that room. I remember thinking the only reason we had it was to hold the Christmas tree and trains at Christmas. I spent a lot of time making up stories for those elves……. Hmmm! Maybe there’s a picture book hidden in there somewhere! Thanks, Tara. 🙂
January 12, 2019 at 9:34 am
Nancy Ramsey
Thanks for the reminder, Tara! Great post!
January 12, 2019 at 9:35 am
Katie B
Great idea, thanks
January 12, 2019 at 9:36 am
Jennifer Bower
Thank you Tara! You are so right. How can you write for a child if you have forgotten what it was like to be one?
January 12, 2019 at 9:39 am
tanyakonerman
This will be even more fun today with several inches of new snow…might try it outside too!
January 12, 2019 at 9:41 am
ptnozell
I have favorite memories of hiding out under the piano. My favorite reading spot, though, was perched on the floor next to build-in bookshelves in the living room, behind a chair.
January 12, 2019 at 9:44 am
Linda Mitchell
Under the stairs….in the middle of the house. It was always the best spot to feel connected and invisible. Love this idea. Rounding up milk and cookies now!
January 12, 2019 at 9:45 am
Juliana Lee
Hi Tara! Thanks again for organizing this huge event! I’ve been having a blast and like always, learning a ton of new things. I used to teach preschool and I know for a fact that the view from the floor is much different than the view from mid-room. The other thing that’s quite different is the conversation on the floor… oh yikes, what a teacher hears in circle time!
January 12, 2019 at 9:46 am
Lisa Freund
As a child I always wondered where the adults were. Today I’ll find a spot and look from that perspective. Thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 9:48 am
Jo Jo
Wonderful reminder of child’s perspective. Thank you Tara!
January 12, 2019 at 9:51 am
Sally Lotz Spratt - Badass 2019🦋 (@SallyLotzSpratt)
Wonderful idea – get back to the child we all once were.
January 12, 2019 at 9:51 am
Aimee Isaac
My kids are always under the table. Last night my daughter threw a blanket over her writing table, crawled underneath and fell fast asleep. So fun!
January 12, 2019 at 9:51 am
Katie Engen
I recall Very Tiny Me standing on our large, lovely reclining dog so I could climb high enough to look out our ‘giant’ picture window. Oh, the world was wide!
January 12, 2019 at 9:53 am
Sherri Jones Rivers
Perspective, perspective, perspective. Love the idea of a different spot to sit in and get those child-like thoughts flowing. This challenge should be fun.
January 12, 2019 at 9:54 am
Andi Butler
Awesome reminder to change up our perspectives! : )
January 12, 2019 at 9:55 am
Latasha Vernon
Oh how I wish to be a child again at times and this gives me an excuse 🙂 Thanks Tara!
January 12, 2019 at 9:58 am
Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator
Great idea Tara. I’ll have to share that under table space with my dog, that’s his hide-out.
January 12, 2019 at 9:59 am
Alexandra Hinrichs
This is a fabulous suggestion, Tara! And has me wanting to read more on Schulz.
January 12, 2019 at 10:00 am
Rani Iyer
Good idea! Thanks, Tara.
January 12, 2019 at 10:01 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Change up angle of view is a great idea!
Tara, thanks for igniting a memory of happy times from years gone by.
January 12, 2019 at 10:03 am
KRISTINA CASTILLO
Love this, Tara!
January 12, 2019 at 10:05 am
Hank Dallago
How about we grab some cookies and milk, invite some of our favorite PB authors, and talk underneath that dining room together for hours in end? I’m in, how about you?
January 12, 2019 at 10:05 am
Suzanne Lieurance
Great reminder. Thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 10:08 am
Suzanne LaLiberte Lewis
I felt my body shrink and my eyes widen reading this wonderful post! I have the perfect attic spot to tuck into and dream! Thank you, Tara!
January 12, 2019 at 10:08 am
carol w Munro
Our living room was roped off too — with a string — until my little brother made a run for the couch and nearly got decapitated. OK. Not decapitated, but he had a red mark on his neck for a week. Thanks for this reminder, Tara. Going to sit under the five-foot square table in my office now.
January 12, 2019 at 10:15 am
Deb Sullivan
Fabulous idea – haven’t been under a table in years! Thanks for the tip!
January 12, 2019 at 10:17 am
pathaap
Great idea of a way to change our perspective. Thanks for the reminder, Tara!
January 12, 2019 at 10:19 am
Ellen Sirianni
Great idea! Thanks.
January 12, 2019 at 10:20 am
Genevieve Petrillo
Mom says if she gets under the table or on the floor of the closet I need to call an ambulance to get her up. So, we’re on board with the milk and cookies, but as far as the view from under the furniture – she’s leaving that to me. And her cellphone.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
January 12, 2019 at 10:20 am
Becky Ross Michael
Such in interesting idea!
January 12, 2019 at 10:20 am
Jennifer G Prevost
What a precious perspective! I sometimes find myself down at my kids level, when I’m washing muddy hand prints off the walls or door frames. Next time, I might just stay down there a while.
January 12, 2019 at 10:21 am
Kathy Halsey
A child’s POV. Important to remember. TY, Tara. This takes me back to my grandmother’s dining room, and under her table.
January 12, 2019 at 10:24 am
Barbara Senenman
Brings back the memories of my couch cushion fort and comfort there.
Yes, as writers, we need to “lower” ourselves to a child’s level to see from their perspective.
January 12, 2019 at 10:27 am
Michele Helsel
You make me smile, Tara Lazar.
January 12, 2019 at 10:28 am
Jane Dippold
Love this post about connecting with childhood! (And Bo! Cockapoo? My favorite❤️)
January 12, 2019 at 10:29 am
Liz Steinglass
This post brought up so many childhood memories for me. Thank you.
January 12, 2019 at 10:30 am
Ink Bottle Studio
Wow…that post stirred up some memories for me of similar things in my childhood!
January 12, 2019 at 10:31 am
Julie Mondi
Couch forts are the best! I may have to construct one today!
January 12, 2019 at 10:31 am
storyfairy
Great post. This seems like one of many great ways to gain a child’s perspective.
January 12, 2019 at 10:32 am
Annie Cronin Romano
Great reminder to put ourselves in our child readers’ shoes!
January 12, 2019 at 10:33 am
Ruthie Kirk
This is a good reminder, too, that a conversation with a child can be better when you lower yourself to their eye level.
January 12, 2019 at 10:33 am
Teresa Daffern
Perspective is all. Thanks for this sweet reminder.
January 12, 2019 at 10:36 am
jaclynsmiller
Fun idea! Thanks.
January 12, 2019 at 10:37 am
Louann Brown
We played in the attic….I remember it as our whole world. What we could conjure behind that door that led to the rest of the house was indeed a magical new universe.
January 12, 2019 at 10:42 am
Poppy P
Very sweet idea.
January 12, 2019 at 10:43 am
C.L. Murphy
Thanks for the nostalgic post, Tara. A real eye-opener from any angle!
January 12, 2019 at 10:43 am
James Arthur
I love Peanuts and and I love this post!
January 12, 2019 at 10:46 am
Lucretia
Thanks for the great idea,Tara–and for organizing this wonderful annual event! I cracked up at “…growing up, there was an entire section of my home that was roped off…the threshold to the living and dining area, off limits.” That’s exactly how our house was, too! (I thought my mom was the only one who “protected” her cherished keepsakes and fancy furniture in such a way.) Other than holidays and other special occasions, my sister and I only went in there to practice the piano. I can recall sitting under the piano a few times but that was mostly to examine the instrument itself. To be honest, she still has it like that, just with a newer, fancier gate to keep the cat out. Some things never change. Maybe there’s a story somewhere in there…I’m going to sit under our piano–or dining room table–in a few minutes!
January 12, 2019 at 10:48 am
Sara Fajardo
This brings back so many childhood memories. Thank you!
January 12, 2019 at 10:52 am
Johnell DeWitt
I think I just might make a pillow fort. That sounds like the perfect getaway right now.
January 12, 2019 at 10:54 am
Juliana Jones
Over all my years of writing, I’ve never thought to hide under the table and dream. Wow, thanks for a new perspective!
January 12, 2019 at 10:54 am
Aimee
I love this post! Forts keep beckoning me…I must answer the call and build one☺️
January 12, 2019 at 10:56 am
Carole Calladine
I love your suggestion, perspective plus the milk and cookies. Thank you for sharing.
January 12, 2019 at 10:57 am
Pamela Harrison
Thank you for taking me back to my childhood. Seeing things from a new perspective is a wonderful idea!
January 12, 2019 at 10:59 am
lindaschueler
Cool! It’s been a long time since I have hidden under a table!
January 12, 2019 at 11:00 am
Carmen White
Man, this immediately made me nostalgic for the old family room with its wood burning stove and mess of blocks and blanket forts.
January 12, 2019 at 11:00 am
Charlotte Offsay
A fun reminder!
January 12, 2019 at 11:00 am
Debra Daugherty
Never ever would I have thought to hide under the table for perspective. What an unique idea! Thanks, Tara, for sharing.
January 12, 2019 at 11:02 am
Li’vee Rehfield
Dear Tara I needed to have this perspective and will try it…I think a tent with cookies 🍪 and milk 🥛🥰♥️
January 12, 2019 at 11:03 am
Jennifer Phillips
I remember hiding out in my grandpa’s closet, which had a “secret” door that went through to the other room. I can still smell and feel it. One thing I like to do now is just sit on the little furniture in the children’s section of the library and watch the kids interact with books and the space (while my daughter gets her books, so I don’t look like a bad stranger!). Thanks for the suggestions.
January 12, 2019 at 11:09 am
jheitman22
Yes! My granddaughters have made a “fort” between our recliner and the bookshelf where their books are–their own little space. It’s helpful to remember a kid’s perspective.
January 12, 2019 at 11:11 am
ssafra22
What a great idea! We used to make forts as kids and loved hiding from the adults. I never thought of doing that as an adult now to see the perspective from a child’s view of the world. I am definitely going to try this!!!
January 12, 2019 at 11:16 am
danielledufayet
Thank you, Tara, for the reminder -writing for kids needs to be from their perspective -a challenge I often struggle with and something you do so well! 🙂
January 12, 2019 at 11:17 am
Joan Longstaff
Maybe cookies and a cup of tea for me! I think it’s time to clear out the closet to give me room to nestle down … I’m not as small as I once was!
January 12, 2019 at 11:19 am
Jessica Kulekjian
Great post! It’s important to remember to see behind the eyes of our inner child. Love this!
January 12, 2019 at 11:23 am
Mardi Edwards
When I taught elementary school for 30 years I always was thinking in the kids perspective. Now I can write easier in the kids perspective.
January 12, 2019 at 11:25 am
Katy Tanis
I recently found a childhood photo album. Santa brought me a camera at age 5 and I carefully placed each picture into an album and even made a table of contents. The entire 2nd half of the album is categorized under “not good” — it is a bunch of pictures of adults from shoulders down. I guess that was my perspective back then.
January 12, 2019 at 11:26 am
beckylevine
Oh, I love this. And not just because of the cookies and milk!
January 12, 2019 at 11:27 am
writeknit
Thanks for the great ideas and smiles you gave me with today’s post.
January 12, 2019 at 11:28 am
M Lapointe Malchik (@imartytweet)
You and Bo! You’re a perfect 10 of an author who is always rallying the troops and helping each of is forge ahead, Tara, underneath dining tables, tracing our own footsteps back to holding our perfect pets. (my perfect 10 dog was named Jet. He was jet black and jettisoned along my brother’s hand-me- down bike, my constant companion.) Thank you for ALL of your efforts. Have a delightful writing year with one storystorm after another.
January 12, 2019 at 11:29 am
Susan Johnston
What a cute photo!
January 12, 2019 at 11:29 am
Linda KulpTrout
A wonderful idea!
January 12, 2019 at 11:30 am
smpeace
Great idea!
January 12, 2019 at 11:30 am
DaNeil Olson
Excellent idea Tara – thank you. As a school-librarian and former elementary school teacher, I am trained to greet younger students on my knees so we see eye-to-eye. I never thought to change my view in my own home (partially because I’m only 5’2 and spend most of my time looking up. 🙂 )I’ll be trying this today.
January 12, 2019 at 11:31 am
Cynthia Harmony
Thank you for sharing this again Tara, I’m game for that fun exercise!
January 12, 2019 at 11:35 am
lizricewrites
Thanks, Tara, for the tips on writing from the child’s perspective!
January 12, 2019 at 11:36 am
Gloria Amescua
I love this idea! I just recently visited my granddaughters in another state. They created their own little cozy nooks in closets with blankets, pillows and stuffed animals.
January 12, 2019 at 11:37 am
Roz Malin
I haven’t sat under a table for years! Or hid in a closet. Sounds like fun.
January 12, 2019 at 11:39 am
Sharron Magyar
Interesting idea to change our perspective. I wonder what the grandchildren will think when they find me under the table!
January 12, 2019 at 11:40 am
Ashley Congdon
I know my son has a few he could share. It’s always a small space. Must be comforting to him or he knows he’s the only one that can fit there. I’m going to go find out!
January 12, 2019 at 11:41 am
Anjali Amit
Thank you for bringing back memories of forts and hidey-nooks, mud pies and sponge(!) cakes. Now to recreate them
January 12, 2019 at 11:46 am
Debra K Shumaker
Love this. Thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 11:50 am
judyrubin13
First, Tara, thank you for Storystorm. I have learned so much in these last twelve days. Also, thank you for reminding me of that special place that I curled into as a child and read those wondrous adventures that let me dream and made me want to write. Thank you!
January 12, 2019 at 11:51 am
heidikyates
Ohhh, I’m definitely making a fort! Thanks for the fun ideas Tara. 🙂
January 12, 2019 at 11:52 am
writeremmcbride
Wonderful ideas, Tara! I’m thinking I might need to go find a swing and hang upside-down….
January 12, 2019 at 11:53 am
Lisa Billa
Thanks, love this reminder! I used to have a “fort” outside to read in…
January 12, 2019 at 11:53 am
Gregory E Bray
Fun idea. Thanks for the post.
January 12, 2019 at 11:54 am
Krista Maxwell
Love this!
January 12, 2019 at 11:54 am
Elizabeth W Saba
Thanks for bringing this post back. Changing a perspective no matter what age you are writing for is extremely helpful and can be very funny too.
January 12, 2019 at 11:54 am
hmmmmm
A favorite spot for me was spun up in the drapes — though I think that may have been more about escape/hiding and just the cozy, contained feeling (you couldn’t see a THING).
Thanks for the post Tara.
January 12, 2019 at 11:58 am
Candace Spizzirri
I love this post, Tara. At some point this weekend I’ll be headed to a secret hiding place in my home with blankets to build a fort! 👍😃
January 12, 2019 at 12:03 pm
Katie L. Carroll (@KatieLCarroll)
I have three kids 7 and under, so I spend a lot of time on the ground at their level. I’ll have to make sure to keep my writer’s hat on during those times!
January 12, 2019 at 12:03 pm
Nicole
Great reminder! Thanks
January 12, 2019 at 12:05 pm
thelmakat
Your Post is fantastic! I’m the youngest of 9 children and this past Christmas Day, on our annual Christmas conference call, we all took turns reminiscing about our childhood home!! Our ages range from 74 down to me, at 54, and to hear tales from each, it showed us that it doesn’t matter how old you are, the child is still in all of us! Thanks for your post!!
January 12, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Mary Jane Muir
I am loving this post Tara Lazar. Reminding us of the child’s perspective is especially helpful for this month of ideas.
January 12, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Deb Huard, Writer
Fun post. Thank you. I feel fortunate that my kids are young enough that I am constantly able to get a glimpse into their perspective.
January 12, 2019 at 12:11 pm
June Sengpiehl
What an interesting way to obtain a child’s perspective on life. Wonderful new concept to try.
January 12, 2019 at 12:12 pm
colleen kosinski
I’ll have to try it!
January 12, 2019 at 12:13 pm
Darcee A Freier
Thanks for the encouragement to revisit the child’s view – to be childlike.
January 12, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Carol Gwin Nelson
My bed when I was a child was a magic carpet that could take me anywhere. Sounds like a good excuse to just sit on my bed and come up with ideas today.
January 12, 2019 at 12:17 pm
Aurora K
This is great and inspiring. Now, I’m in the mood to go build a fort and sneak some cookies and milk, yum!
January 12, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Rena Traxel
Yep! so important to see from a child’s POV.
January 12, 2019 at 12:29 pm
heavenlyhashformoms
That post has stayed in my mind since it was I originally posted in 2014! Playing on the floor with my littles always produced ideas!
January 12, 2019 at 12:30 pm
ingridboydston
Thank you for reminding us the importance (and fun!) in a change of perspective. 😄!
January 12, 2019 at 12:31 pm
Teresa Klepinger
I’m thinking of the bookshelves. Some shelves have heavy, boring, yet mysterious books, and others the happy, loved, familiar children’s tomes.
January 12, 2019 at 12:31 pm
CJ Penko
I. AM. DOING. THIS. Yes!!!! 😁
January 12, 2019 at 12:33 pm
Kaylynn Johnsen
I still find my grown children hidden away. They’ve never outgrown there child like wonder.
January 12, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Lori Dubbin
Love this idea, Tara. Find a nice nook and find a hook for your book!
January 12, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Pat Miller
Definitely a fresh perspective! Thanks.
January 12, 2019 at 12:35 pm
Rinda Beach
This brings back memories of teaching when I’d come in for inside recess to find kids playing underneath me desk, every year for 33 years.
January 12, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Jen Bagan
Thank you Tara! I’ve never thought to do this but it’s worth a shot! 🙂
January 12, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
An interesting perspective!!! LOL!
January 12, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Sharalyn Edgeberg
That’s an interesting perspective! LOL!
January 12, 2019 at 12:48 pm
LeeAnn Rizzuti
I’m all for seeing things from a different perspective, but if I get down on the floor or under a table, I’m going to need to be rescued.😃😱🚒
January 12, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Aimee Satterlee
Love this idea of building a fort or climbing under a table or hidden spot! It really is the best research. We are so lucky to be authors!
January 12, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Janice Woods
Perspective is so important. Thanks so much for the reminder!
January 12, 2019 at 12:53 pm
Lillian Heckinger
Thank you for all your helpful advice. I enjoined reading your posts. And I
love your dog. Have a wonderful year.
January 12, 2019 at 12:55 pm
angiecal76
A great reminder to keep a child’s perspective in mind if we’re going to write for them. It’s obvious you keep your inner child nourished (and cookies can help with that, too).
January 12, 2019 at 12:57 pm
Susan Macartney
Time to re-boot my fab fort construction skills! Tara, this brought back a pile of memories – thanks!!
January 12, 2019 at 12:58 pm
Elizabeth Duncan
This made me remember sitting for hours in the willow tree in the backyard of my childhood home.
January 12, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Ginny Neil
I’m headed to hang out under the table now. Thanks for such a fun idea and a reminder, via Charles Shultz, that adults need to disappear as much as possible from our pb’s.
January 12, 2019 at 1:10 pm
Sensibility and Sense
Ooh! Thanks for the permission to slip away, find a secret hideout and have cookies and milk! Such a great way to find the proper perspective for our stories:) Thanks, Tara! Patti Richards
January 12, 2019 at 1:16 pm
Rebekah Lowell
Oooh I love blanket forts! It’s also a fun excise to take pictures holding your camera at your waist and see the world from a kid’s eye.
January 12, 2019 at 1:17 pm
Angie
I love doing this! It helps that I’m only 5’1.5″. I’m nearly child height. But getting down beneath furniture or on my knees, that’s what really helps! Thanks, Tara!
January 12, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Writer on the run
I’m trying to remember all my old hiding places from childhood and how it looked to me from those spots. Thanks for the reminder to think like a kid!
January 12, 2019 at 1:20 pm
Kathy Mazurowski
Sounds like fun!
January 12, 2019 at 1:22 pm
Monica A. Harris
Haha! It’s interesting that your idea of finding a ‘kid-friendly’ place for inspiration is what I deem my “hide from life” place!
January 12, 2019 at 1:24 pm
geobonni
Perspective is a great angle (pun intended). For example, crawling under my dining room table I become one with the dust bunnies 🤩!
January 12, 2019 at 1:27 pm
Alicia
Love this idea! Thanks
January 12, 2019 at 1:35 pm
chardixon47
Yes! Under the dining room table with all my possessions! A cabin. A fort. A castle. Thank you, Tara, for bringing one of my childhood adventures to life.
January 12, 2019 at 1:38 pm
marsha e wright
Tara, first of all, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the work you put into creating and maintaining Storystorm. This is my first time participating and my ideas are generating like a snowball rolling down a mountain!
Your Under-the-Table-if-You’re-Able secret spot is a simple, fun way to remind us of how we too often wear our “big boy” pants when we should be wearing rompers. Monday morning you’ll find me under the table and definitely with a cookie in hand along side my pencil and index card ready to storm through ideas with kidlike fervor.
January 12, 2019 at 1:39 pm
Sheila Dinn
I’m a tree climber myself – similar shift in perspective and sense of hiding! Thanks for this great post.
January 12, 2019 at 1:40 pm
Barbara Farr Renner
What a great idea. I need to think more like a child. I guess I’ll go crawl under the dining room table – I’m sure my dog will wonder what’s going on and lick my face.
January 12, 2019 at 1:42 pm
Debbi G
Thanks for the reminder and fun idea for a snowy weekend.
January 12, 2019 at 1:45 pm
debbiemccue
Wonderful idea to reconnect with the child within by doing those things that brought us joy and comfort in our childhood. Thanks for the post.
January 12, 2019 at 1:46 pm
kmajor2013
Thanks for the reboot. I’ve been known to sit in my dining room late at night in the dark pondering writing ideas and life. Thanks for reminding me.
January 12, 2019 at 1:47 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
This reminds me that the character in one of my favorite childhood books, The Golden Name Day, used to sit on the stair landing under a stained glass window and read her favorite book as the colored light filtered from the window onto the pages.
January 12, 2019 at 1:49 pm
Sandy Perlic
I loved forts so much as a kid – a blanket and a nearby piece of furniture was all I needed for a secret hideaway. How I wish life were that simple today… Will definitely have to try changing my perspective like this!
January 12, 2019 at 1:55 pm
Claire W Bobrow
Ah, those were the days – inside the blanket fort in the den! Thanks for the reminder, and the suggestion to re-create those magical moments from childhood, Tara!
January 12, 2019 at 1:58 pm
matthewlasley
I think we often forget that kid perspective. I wrote a story last year and in my critique group, someone said that isn’t how a child would see it, it is not what a child would say.
What they didn’t know is it was something that happened in my classroom. Yes, it was fictionalized, but how it happened and what was said was what the kids did.
I find that often, we….I, try to oversimplify things and we do not give kids the credit for understanding that they deserve. Kids see the world from a self centered point of view. This is not selfish, just the world around them is what is real, and they can change that reality with their imagination. It has rules, even if we forget what they are.
January 12, 2019 at 1:59 pm
Cathy Ogren
Please leave me alone. I’m camped out under the cocktail table!
January 12, 2019 at 2:03 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Blanket fort!
January 12, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Sheri Radovich
Sounds like fun, looking for a place to hide, my favorite as a child was under the parents bed because my mother was always looking for someone to do something for her.
January 12, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Thanks for reminding us about the child’s perspective. I have to always remind myself and I like the idea of putting myself in a physical position/place that will help as attempt to capture this in my writing.
January 12, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Nancy Colle
Under a table, up a tree, or in a box… a fab take on perspective. Thank you!
January 12, 2019 at 2:07 pm
sherilm99
I’ll sit under the dining room table with my cat. It’s where she views HER DOMAIN.
January 12, 2019 at 2:08 pm
SuZan Klassen
You took me back to my own hiding place.
January 12, 2019 at 2:08 pm
Alice Carty Fulgione
I do feel that it’s important for PB wtiter’s to see the world through the eyes of a child. Thanks for the tips!
January 12, 2019 at 2:10 pm
lorisherritt
I might try this at a playground! Also love the reference to Peanuts. Having adults in the illustrations makes the kids seem small…and really, it WAS and IS all about the kids. It is hard to get out of my perfectionist adult mind some days…so now I have a solution. Sit under the table. A very rich, provocative post! Thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 2:15 pm
bevbaird
Great post Tara! Lots of inspiration.
January 12, 2019 at 2:17 pm
Jane Serpa
Everyone needs their own cozy corner. Thank you for sharing.
January 12, 2019 at 2:20 pm
Antje
Awesome idea! That’s why we love you, Tara: You never quite escaped your childhood and you invite us to join you under the (off limits!) dining table! We gladly become your accomplices.
January 12, 2019 at 2:22 pm
Dawn Prochovnic
Thank you for reminding us of the child’s perspective. The Peanuts cartoon was a really compelling image to illustrate your point. I also valued the reminder that adults don’t need to be in the picture at all … I never once (as a reader) thought, “Hey, where are the grown-ups” when reading Peanuts cartoons. They were not necessary. Excellent, excellent reminder…
January 12, 2019 at 2:22 pm
nataliecohn0258
Love these ideas!
January 12, 2019 at 2:23 pm
angie9091
I wonder if my kids will mind if I steal their fort.
January 12, 2019 at 2:26 pm
supermario6
I would follow your advice anywhere, oh great Storystorm Leader!
January 12, 2019 at 2:28 pm
Chambrae Griffith
My special spot was under the pool table or in the coat closet where my grandpa kept his bowling balls. I remember how magical it was! Thanks for the trip down memory lane and for helping me remember what the world looked like as a child. I’m off to find that magical spot in my own home:)
January 12, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Jodi Mckay
Thanks reminding us that perspective is important!
January 12, 2019 at 2:31 pm
Margaret Flint Suter
I have a front staircase and a back staircase, the back middle landing has no view and is a perfect spot for just chilling…if I choose the front staircase, I get a great view of the traffic on the road outside, the foot traffic to my library and that can lead to some wonderful stories being created in my head for the folks passing by…Thanks Tara for another great post!
January 12, 2019 at 2:32 pm
Judy Y
Cute! And Charles Schulz 💛
January 12, 2019 at 2:38 pm
leeanimator
Thanks for the reminder to look at the world as a child might. I used to do that when I was in animation school and it’s great to remember how I saw things then. I remember roped off rooms, and sofas with plastic covers so they wouldn’t stain and how we couldn’t sit on a sofa with jeans on because they weren’t pre – washed back then. Thanks for the memories (Loved Bob Hope)
January 12, 2019 at 2:38 pm
Sue Frye
Tara, thanks for sharing this peek into your mind and such an awesome idea. I’ll try this one soon.
January 12, 2019 at 2:40 pm
Gail Hedrick
Thank you, Tara for reminding us about feeling. Sometimes it’s like we are so caught up in remembering the nuts and bolts of writing ‘must do’s’, we forget the wow’s. Worth hunting for a place to remember them.
January 12, 2019 at 2:43 pm
mona861
Tara, Thank you for taking us under table for mllk and cookies and a trip of imagination! And, thank you so much for giving us this wonderful month of BIB and inspiration! (sort of like butt in chair, but Boot In Butt!!!)
January 12, 2019 at 2:51 pm
Addy Farmer
Indoor dens are fun!
January 12, 2019 at 2:57 pm
Gabi Snyder
I love this idea for tapping into a child’s perspective! And thanks, Tara, for the reminder of my circa 1980 self (and my dog, Mandy, named for the Barry Manilow song).
January 12, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Katie Williams
I know just the spot…thanks so much for the idea!
January 12, 2019 at 3:06 pm
authoraileenstewart
Love the small glimpse into your childhood. Thanks for sharing!
January 12, 2019 at 3:08 pm
Jessica Potts
Great way to look at things in a new perspective!
January 12, 2019 at 3:13 pm
Anna Brooks
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how I sometimes worry that my perspective is closer to the parents than the kids. This is a wonderful idea to help me get back to a kid perspective. Thank you!
January 12, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Maritza M. Mejía
Thank you, Tara. I love this idea and your reflection. My favorite line, “Make it your nook, your secret hideaway.” Great!
January 12, 2019 at 3:18 pm
megcason1
That dog, oh my goodness!!
Thank you Tara for giving us the excuse to act like a kid again!
January 12, 2019 at 3:20 pm
Deb Cushman
My granddaughters and I built a pillow fort under a card table over the holidays. They climbed inside with a flashlight and books, giggling all the way. After they left, I took my turn. Brought back wonderful memories. Decided I needed a pillow fort in my office!
January 12, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Sue Heavenrich
Always worth looking at things from a different perspective. Thanks for the encore posts this month… reminders to get to those things we’d promised we’d do three and four years ago! Thanks for the second chances.
January 12, 2019 at 3:30 pm
Francoise
I used to get ‘milk and cookies’ for my sister because I thought it was a quintessentially American thing (I’m Welsh/French) and Sesame Street thing. I remember all those Sunday lunches under the dining table looking at adults’ legs… wonder if my family would notice if I slipped under tomorrow??
January 12, 2019 at 3:32 pm
Debra Katz
I love all of these suggestions to look at the world from a different perspective.
January 12, 2019 at 3:35 pm
Kimberly
OMG did we grow up in the same house? Except my mom always knew when we went in the off limits living room. She had her witchy ways! Thanks for the reminder – I definitely still sit in little nooks and crannies!
January 12, 2019 at 3:36 pm
Kelly Ohlert
Hahaha that’s one way to get perspective. Great idea!
January 12, 2019 at 3:46 pm
sandrabyrdlawson
Ahhh! That wonderfully cozy, hidden from the world spot! Now I can use ‘I’m working’ as an excuse!
January 12, 2019 at 3:54 pm
setwiggs
Hmm I may need to throw a sheet over the table to get my own little space.
January 12, 2019 at 3:54 pm
Joan Swanson
Great advise. Need to pick some place I can get up from though, haha!
January 12, 2019 at 3:58 pm
Meghan Burch
We’ve rearranged our living room, now with more nooks! I’ll go hang out in one of them for a bit. Thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 4:02 pm
paulastevenson7
This is a great idea to see the world from a kids perspective. Or you could climb up a tree!
January 12, 2019 at 4:03 pm
Kathleen Wilcox
Thank you, Tara, for inviting us to revisit our childhood perspective. The cookies sound good too!
January 12, 2019 at 4:18 pm
S. V. Moody
Interesting perspective. I had my first protagonist make a spot under her bed for comfort and for hiding from her big sister.
January 12, 2019 at 4:23 pm
heatherbell37
This was fun and definitely brought back memories 😊
January 12, 2019 at 4:23 pm
LaurenKerstein
This is a terrific “blast-from-the-past” post reminding us to look at the world through the eyes of children. Thank you!
January 12, 2019 at 4:29 pm
Sara A
A fort sounds perfect, especially with this blustery weather.
January 12, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Cynthia Hawthorne
On this rainy, cool day building a fort seems like just the thing to do. Time to play! Thanks, Tara.
January 12, 2019 at 4:41 pm
DB Cote
I liked your suggestion to “look at everything as if a child might, looming larger above you.” Thank you.
January 12, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Amy Houts
So true! Thanks for the reminder.
January 12, 2019 at 4:46 pm
Jonathan Bing
I’ve heard time—and life—becomes memorable (and rememberable) when we step out of our pattern and do the unusual. I love how you bring us to different perspectives in this post to get at the same thing, giving us all a richer life!
January 12, 2019 at 4:48 pm
karengreenwald2985
Thanks, Tara for this post and for Storystorm! Who doesn’t relate to a pillow fort? I am in the middle of revising a WIP and this is definitely going to help my perspective!:) Perhaps I will make a fort for my laptop and me (though it was more fun with my big sister and a few flashlights!)
January 12, 2019 at 4:50 pm
Jenifer McNamara
Enjoyed your post about going back to your childhood and write for children = think like children.
January 12, 2019 at 4:56 pm
seschipper
Tara, Thanks for the encore presentations!!!! This is the perfect reminder of what it takes to “delve deeper in the heart of our tale”! 🙂
January 12, 2019 at 5:01 pm
Kristen Tipman
I like this idea. I’m going to try it. 🙂
January 12, 2019 at 5:01 pm
Heather Gallagher
Yes, I remember the blanket fort days 😀
January 12, 2019 at 5:02 pm
Matt Forrest Esenwine
As a stay-at-home dad with 2 children, I spend more time as a kid than an adult!
January 12, 2019 at 5:12 pm
saralakron
Yay pillow forts!
January 12, 2019 at 5:13 pm
Connie Van Horn
A change in perspective is always a great idea. I needed to hear that. Thanks
January 12, 2019 at 5:18 pm
Shirley
That’s a fun way to think like a child.
January 12, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Jan Hoffman
True! I often sit and plan or draw or write sitting on the floor at my short table in my room at school. I live a different perspective and it helps me hear things differently, too.
January 12, 2019 at 5:26 pm
Arlene Schenker
Tara–I love this idea. We don’t get to really be kids enough!
January 12, 2019 at 5:31 pm
Lisa L Furness
Didn’t know that Shultz drew lower half of adults then he thought more powerful not to. Great POV!
January 12, 2019 at 5:34 pm
Melissa Mwai
It’s interesting that Charles Shultz felt so strongly about including the adults.
January 12, 2019 at 5:36 pm
RebeccaTheWriter
Love this. Thanks Tara! 🙂
January 12, 2019 at 5:38 pm
David McMullin
What a fun idea.
January 12, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Paula Puckett
Thank you for the suggestions–all good–milk and cookies underneath my dining room table, underneath a blanket or tablecloth. If I’m lucky, no one will see me. And if they do, I’ll be busy WRITING!
January 12, 2019 at 5:42 pm
Therese Kay
Cookies and Milk! Yum! You don’t have to ask me twice!!
January 12, 2019 at 5:59 pm
Nora Fry
Always a good idea to get a different perspective on your normal life!
January 12, 2019 at 5:59 pm
Kim Erickson
Just this week I had my high school English students sit under their desks to understand different perspectives of a character!
January 12, 2019 at 6:02 pm
Kellie
As a kid, I used to sit in the corner under my desk – it was a huge, corner module thing that my dad made, so a perfect cubby spot. I’ll have to find something similar at home now. My regular writing haunt is a cafe and although I would love to get under the tables there, it may be frowned upon.
January 12, 2019 at 6:03 pm
BrookeVS
I love that you said build a fort! I did this the other day and watched Peter Rabbit from underneath the covers. It really does bring you back to the mindset of a kid. Thank you for your post (and for sharing your dog with us. So adorable!)
January 12, 2019 at 6:05 pm
moviemommie
I love the idea of borrowing our children’s hiding spots and impromptu forts!!
Thanks, jenna
January 12, 2019 at 6:08 pm
Jennifer Hunt
Love this! I haven’t thought about my hideaway spots in decades.
January 12, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Lynn Alpert
Thanks for your perspective Tara!
January 12, 2019 at 6:20 pm
Catherine Morgans
Love this Tara, it reminded me of the times I turned our dining table into a cubby house.
January 12, 2019 at 6:22 pm
Debbie Lodato
Love this post.
My fort was outside when I was a kid.
We’d take a sheet and clothes pin it to our neighbors fence. Then secure it to the ground with rocks.
Debbie Lodato
January 12, 2019 at 6:24 pm
karammitchell
Tara! This is fantastic! I remember playing barbies under the dining room table. It was a mansion under there! Thanks, lady. Story Storm has been huge for me. I appreciate you creating the opportunity to find my ideas in unlikely places.
January 12, 2019 at 6:28 pm
Tania Russ Hebert
I haven’t thought about sitting under a table or one of my kids favorite spots. Although my husband would think I have lost my mind. Great idea though. Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2019 at 6:31 pm
Kay lalone
thanks for the reminder
January 12, 2019 at 6:32 pm
jenabenton
I love doing this very thing with my nieces.
January 12, 2019 at 6:35 pm
Sara Matson
What a cute puppy. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
January 12, 2019 at 6:47 pm
Karan Greene
I love this perspective!!
January 12, 2019 at 6:54 pm
Pam Miller
Makes sense. After all, I don’t really see the dust on the top of the bookcase. I delegated cleaning the top of the fridge because I know the dust is there but can’t see it, and, thus, never add it to my to-do list. And I might have made a mistake recently. All the 7-yr-old’s origami zoo animals were on the second shelf down of the Christmas dish cabinet. They kept falling out when I got the dishes out, so I moved them. I strung them up on a long piece of yarn and hung them from a hanging planter. But only the bottom animal is at the child’s eye level. He hasn’t made any origami lately.
January 12, 2019 at 6:59 pm
Kathy O'Neill
What a cute and creative idea for regaining a child’s perspective and maybe some new ideas!!
January 12, 2019 at 6:59 pm
Andria Rosenbaum
We were barred from the white-couch living room too! But we went in anyway when our parents were distracted. Thanks for reminding us It’s all about perspective.
January 12, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Sandy Foster
I love this! What an awesome reminder of magical days gone by. My own kids, now late teens, loved the forts and sliding on the kitchen floor only to land under the table. Or making a rocket ship or food truck out of a refrigerator box! What great ideas for mining ideas!! Thank you
January 12, 2019 at 7:15 pm
Frances Kalavritinos
There’s something about a cozy reading nook! Your post took me back to a very special nook I had almost forgotten about!
January 12, 2019 at 7:21 pm
Chelle Martin
It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to get down on the floor and get up again without difficulty, but thanks for the reminder. A “fort” used to be a lot of fun. My dog would probably have fun, too. lol
January 12, 2019 at 7:22 pm
Janet Halfmann
We had a parlor like that when I was growing up–no velvet rope, but off limits. My favorite reading place as a child was sitting on the stairs to the upstairs, next to a window. I will have to become this child again.
January 12, 2019 at 7:24 pm
ranessadoucet
Great idea for a change in perspective!
January 12, 2019 at 7:56 pm
Sylvia Grech
I was not a Storystorm participant back in 2014 so I was reading your post for the first time. I loved it! Brought me back to when I was 10 and the fort my brother and I made in the back fire escape of our apt. with old sheets. I don’t live in a building with fire escapes now (and it’s a bit too cold to hang out outside) but reading your post brought back all those memories and feelings back. 🙂 Thank you!
January 12, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Kaye Baillie
Time to make a fort out of couch cushions and a sheet.
January 12, 2019 at 8:15 pm
Nadine Poper
Great reminder about perspective! Thanks Tara.
January 12, 2019 at 8:16 pm
Janet Smart
Hi, Tara. I just might give that a try.
January 12, 2019 at 8:17 pm
Jane Baskwill
Just there, in a tent, with the grand-kids in the living room. Will do it again on my own this time!
January 12, 2019 at 8:21 pm
Tanya Shock
I love this post 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
January 12, 2019 at 8:23 pm
Akula Harish
I can’t wait to try this! Thank you!
January 12, 2019 at 8:25 pm
Kim Pfennigwerth
So fun Tara!
January 12, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Vicki Wilke
Thank you Tara – love the photo. As a child, I would go behind the couch and peer out the front picture window. Hidden and creative.
January 12, 2019 at 8:37 pm
mariaordish
Love this, Tara! I absolutely hated my mother’s living room. She made me practice piano in it an hour each day….and eventually, I gave it up. I wanted to compose songs. She wouldn’t let me. Then I found the library. It was far better than listening to my parents scream at each other. Those worlds whisked me away. I was too afraid to tell Judy Blume when I saw her at the last conference that she helped me find a safe place. From then on, I traveled the world through every author’s eyes that I could. I now have a safe place to read and dream and write, but my favorite hideaway is still a library. Although, they aren’t as dusty and mysterious as when I was young. Perspective. Reclaim the perspective. I’m passing that on to my son. And you…are helping him in that journey. Thank you.
January 12, 2019 at 8:46 pm
Jennifer B Wright
Love the idea of re-creating the childhood perspective and sense of wonder. Great ideas!! Thank you!
January 12, 2019 at 9:29 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
I definitely want the password to this fort! Thanks.
January 12, 2019 at 9:47 pm
denarose
Thanks for the great idea, and for the reminder to aim to recapture the child’s perspective. Thanks!
January 12, 2019 at 10:00 pm
Vicky Howard
Great suggestion for trying to capture a child’s perspective. Also important to remember that sometimes children are endeavoring to create their own safe space, their own safe haven when life is scary or overwhelming.
January 12, 2019 at 10:03 pm
Amy Harding
What a great memory!
January 12, 2019 at 10:06 pm
thecrowsmap
Thanks for this fun post. Gail Hartman
January 12, 2019 at 10:06 pm
Heather Stigall
Cool idea, Tara. Thanks for the suggestion!
January 12, 2019 at 10:20 pm
Natalie Lynn Tanner
TARA: This is one of my FAVORITE posts EVER!!! THANK YOU for the reminder that we need to view the world the way our readers do. It’s SO IMPORTANT to enter their world–and a gift!!!
January 12, 2019 at 10:30 pm
Marie Sanderson
I remember a few favorite places to see my childhood house through new eyes. One of my favorites was flat on my back, imagining I was walking on the ceiling, stepping around ceiling fixtures and over doorways. I loved feeling the little thrill that came with imagining that. Maybe I’ll find a story in those memories.
January 12, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Stephanie Lau
Great advice! Also, that dog is cuuuuuute.
January 12, 2019 at 10:40 pm
Buffy Silverman
Going to make me a fort! Thank you, Tara.
January 12, 2019 at 10:43 pm
tamaragirardi
My wonderful critique partner recently pointed out that I might be including too much of a teacher character in a recent story. The teacher is still there, but she’s much quieter in favor of making my MC’s voice even more prominent. Good advice! Maybe I should take a seat in my daughter’s classroom to get even more into the character! 🙂
January 12, 2019 at 10:50 pm
Anna Levin
Thanks Tara! I might follow my toddler around more and find those special nooks:):)
January 12, 2019 at 10:53 pm
Amalia Reef
I love this post. It is making me think of all the squishy, secret hide and seek spots I used to find – and the ones my kids use now! Thank you.
January 12, 2019 at 11:00 pm
Janie Reinart
Tara, thank you for the post. Great to remember to look at things from a different perspective.
January 12, 2019 at 11:06 pm
Angie
This takes me back… Great idea – thank you!
January 12, 2019 at 11:09 pm
Sharon Nix Jones
Your advice sounds tempting. I just need to find a secluded place where 5 kids, 4 pets, and 1 husband cannot find me.
January 12, 2019 at 11:16 pm
marty bellis
Loved making tents of card tables and buses out of sectional pieces and caves out of closets. Ahh, ideas galore. Thanks, Tara.
January 12, 2019 at 11:29 pm
LaTonya Richardson
Great idea. I’m looking to finding my spot.
January 12, 2019 at 11:30 pm
Katie Giorgio
Thanks for sharing this great old post!
January 12, 2019 at 11:39 pm
cravevsworld
Great way to gain the appropriate perspective for our work. Thank you, Tara!
January 13, 2019 at 12:00 am
Cathy Pledger
Takes me back to my childhood. You have a great way of looking at things
January 13, 2019 at 12:02 am
Sheryl Murray
Love this! A blanket fort sounds like good place to start…thanks!
January 13, 2019 at 12:02 am
Marge Gower
Thanks for the post. I think I’ll use the grandkids playroom an visit it myself once in a while. It should give me great ideas.
January 13, 2019 at 12:14 am
Erin Le Clerc
Love this, particularly the idea of using a different visual perspective. Thank you!
January 13, 2019 at 12:19 am
annjex
That’s a good way to get us back into a childlike mindset. Who’d have thought?
January 13, 2019 at 12:26 am
Yael Levy
Nice way to think of p.o.v.
January 13, 2019 at 12:39 am
tiffanydickinson
Tara, I will have to try this. I haven’t sat under a table in about 15 years – when making a fort with my niece and nephew. Thanks!
January 13, 2019 at 12:45 am
photojaq
Tom boy that I was at age nine and living on a street with a railroad track up on a dirt berm going in front of my house – would often climb on my hobby horse (a broom stick with a padded, plush horse head on one end, complete with reigns, and gallop up the tracks, reign in, rear, prance, or just meander, my own imagination creating western-type stories in my head, mindless of neighbors peeking out windows at this skinny girl with a hobby horse between her legs, acting like a cowboy. Thirty years later I had my own real horse, and in a particularly troubling time, in evenings at dusk, I’d thrown on a hackimore, on her head and take off into the nearby trails to cry, or voice anger, often leaning over to throw my arms around her neck as she walked quietly…. listened and commiserate. Ahhh… such times. Thanks for evoking these memories..
January 13, 2019 at 12:57 am
Emily Wayne (@heyemilywayne)
Definitely need to make a blanket fort, I loved doing that as a kid!
January 13, 2019 at 1:07 am
Christine Irvin
Thanks for resharing this post.
January 13, 2019 at 1:09 am
Carolyn Farina
Children have the best perspective. Thanks for taking me back there!
January 13, 2019 at 1:09 am
varda
I can sooo relate. Thanks, Tara.
January 13, 2019 at 1:12 am
karinlarson
Great post on perspective, thank you!
January 13, 2019 at 1:24 am
Erika Henkart
Oh this is great! I love picturing you under your table and dreaming.
January 13, 2019 at 1:51 am
Pauline Tso
I definitely remember building forts under our dining room table.
January 13, 2019 at 2:21 am
jshaklan
Thanks for the tip on how to literally get a change in perspective (and have fun at the same time!).
January 13, 2019 at 2:53 am
Helen Matthews
Thanks Tara, for me it’s climbing into a large shrub that’s sort of hollow on the inside. I don’t mind crouching. Did it for hours as a kid 🙂
January 13, 2019 at 2:55 am
fireurchin
Love this perspective. When I was a kid, we’d play hide and seek inside my house sometimes. I stood on the window sill and hid behind the drapes, inside the built-in hamper under the clothes, and in my mother’s walk-in closet behind her fur coat. I still recall the feel of that fur on my skin.
Sadly, I realize, my 1-bedroom apt has not one place I can fit inside to hide anymore, but the upside is I go to dances where we lie on the floor and roll around, crawl – and often with little babies, toddlers, and other kids alongside. I will just have to turn on my inner child mind again and think of stories from there.
bonnie fireurchin lambourn
http://fireUrchin.com
January 13, 2019 at 3:24 am
Jennifer
What a sweet story. Thank you for sharing it. Such a fun way to inspire a child’s perspective in us!
January 13, 2019 at 3:26 am
Amanda Malek-Ahmadi
That’s an amazing idea! I will definitely be trying this. As I read this I thought, Was Tara sitting under the table when she wrote 7 Ate 9? 😍
January 13, 2019 at 3:31 am
Robin Jordan
Yes, Tara! Growing up, there was a cool uninhabited chicken coop on the back of my property for some off reason. It was an awesome refuge and a kiddos dream to have a pre-made two-story clubhouse! I need to re-construct those days! Thanks for the trip down Memory lane!
January 13, 2019 at 3:39 am
Marcia Berneger
Getting into being a child and remembering way back when–so important! Thanks for the reminder!!
January 13, 2019 at 4:15 am
hmkingman
Thanks Tara for the reminder to channel the inner child. I’ll be building a fort this week- no doubt to be commandeered by a feisty seven year! Who knows what may transpire… inspire!
January 13, 2019 at 4:34 am
Carolyn Lucas
Great idea! Thank you.
January 13, 2019 at 5:13 am
Becky H
When I am home alone and hear a key in the door A voice still bubbles up in me urging me to ‘hide’. Sometimes I do, giggling. My husband has had to put up with this for years.
January 13, 2019 at 6:41 am
Addy Farmer
Actually, I used to run a Reward club at primary school. The main activity was indoor den building with material, pegs, chairs and tables. We had teams and made it into a timed competition. At the end we all crammed into the winning den and made up stories about the world outside the den. Practical and inspiring and fun!
January 13, 2019 at 6:47 am
Freda Lewkowicz
Thank you for reminding me to walk in my childhood footsteps again.I’m hoping I can retrace them hiding under my dining room table.
January 13, 2019 at 6:57 am
Irene Grace
Love this, thanks for sharing. I can remember sitting on the floor under my dining room table as a child and noticing the tags on all the chairs…”do not remove under penalty of law” lol 😂
Great tip!
January 13, 2019 at 7:06 am
Mel Copeman
We have a fold away table in my house – not much space. I’ll have squeeze under my desk instead!
January 13, 2019 at 7:26 am
Meli Glickman
I love the calling to pause and ponder in a spot less frequented… I shall head there later today to relax and open myself to whatever might come. Including Storystorm ideas! Many thanks for sharing!
January 13, 2019 at 7:34 am
authoryvonafast
Thank you Tara for encouraging us to try to be a child again! And see the world from a child’s perspective.
January 13, 2019 at 7:58 am
Jennifer Broedel (@JBroedelAuthor)
I’ll have to use that idea this week. It’s been bitterly cold where I live, and sneaking off to a kid-nook sounds so cozy!
January 13, 2019 at 8:12 am
Nadia A.
Thanks Tara good reminder about a kids perspective!
January 13, 2019 at 8:40 am
Carrie Kruck
Maybe I’ll go hang upside down on a swing for a while today, see what I can shake loose! Thanks Tara!
January 13, 2019 at 8:55 am
melissamiles1
Great ideas on gaining a child’s perspective. I remember crawling on my hands and knees when we first had to childproof the house. I wanted to make sure anything tempting from that vantage point was addressed! 🙂 Of course, my knees were much younger back then.
January 13, 2019 at 9:06 am
Kathryn E Kass
Thanks for bringing this oldie but goodie back again!
January 13, 2019 at 9:49 am
chrisynthia
Oh to be a child again. Thank you for the ideas.
January 13, 2019 at 9:59 am
Kelly Conroy
This gave me a story idea! Thanks, Tara
January 13, 2019 at 10:03 am
Lucky Jo Boscarino
Stealing blankets and pillows from every corner of the house for my new fort. The cats will especially love it.
January 13, 2019 at 10:15 am
MD Knabb
Thanks, Tara, for reminding us to see life through a child’s eyes and remember how life look to us as children.
January 13, 2019 at 10:17 am
Lynne Marie
OMG you just reminded me of the most wonderful memory of making a fort under MY dining room table. Thanks for the memory! XOXO
January 13, 2019 at 10:31 am
https://katiewalsh.blog/
My kids love to grab all their stuffed animals, blankets, pillows and crawl under my bed. Maybe I should do it with them next time! 😉
January 13, 2019 at 10:43 am
Cheryl Malandrinos
Forts were definitely fun, like many of the others are stating. I would need a pillow and blanket to sit under our dining room since hardwood floors are more common these days. I love this idea. It’s easier to write for kids when you see things as they do. Thanks for the inspiration.
January 13, 2019 at 11:04 am
saputnam
Great post, Tara!! Thank you for reminding us to sit somewhere else to get a child’s perspective on the world. I loved having secret spots as a kid, but mine were all outdoors… I would sit in the woods under a pine tree or lay in a hay field hidden from sight. I would also crawl behind the iron trellis which was against the porch and held my mother’s Elephant Ear plant. I’m not sure how old it was but it ran the length of the porch and was up to the roof.
January 13, 2019 at 11:13 am
runi
Great reminder! Thanks!
January 13, 2019 at 11:18 am
vijikc
Great idea!
January 13, 2019 at 11:43 am
Nicole Turner
Thank you for the post. Building blanket forts was always one of my favorite things as a kid
January 13, 2019 at 11:48 am
Carolyn Bennett Fraiser
I remember hanging upside down off the side of my couch and wondering…what if we walked on the ceiling? I reflected on that as funny, but who knows what might be buried in that memory!
January 13, 2019 at 11:48 am
Kim Wilson (@AuthorKimWilson)
Through the eyes of a child…Thanks for sharing this!
January 13, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Carolyn Currier
Thank you for sharing a fun and easy way to get back into the mindset of a child.
January 13, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Kathy
Love this idea!
January 13, 2019 at 12:06 pm
Wendy
Three ideas! Or at least parts of them (hopefully the good parts). Thanks, Tara.
January 13, 2019 at 12:09 pm
Patti Ranson
Perspective! Perspective! Perspective!
January 13, 2019 at 12:10 pm
Tracy Hora
I love this post, Tara. I always loved playing in my closet.
January 13, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Linda Hofke
wow, and I thought I was the only kid who liked to sit under the table.
And once I hid under the couch to wait and see Santa.
Yea, I was a weird kid.
January 13, 2019 at 12:15 pm
nrompella
I recently told my mom that we weren’t allowed to play in the living room and she didn’t believe me. I now do the same to my kids: it’s the only “fancy” room in the house. 🙂 The Forbidden Fruit lives on!
January 13, 2019 at 12:24 pm
bookfish1
Trying to gain the child’s perspective and writing for a particular audience is always something I struggle with, thanks for the ideas
January 13, 2019 at 12:25 pm
Megan Whitaker
I work in an elementary school so I am constantly on my knees talking to kids so they aren’t craning their necks to see me. It’s much better to be down at eye level for sure!
January 13, 2019 at 12:28 pm
Dea Brayden
I always sat on the top of our stairs to the basement and closed the door behind me. Kind of peaceful in a way to hear the main floor noises and have my own quiet place. (As the youngest of six, quiet places weren’t always easy to find!) Thanks for your post.
January 13, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Cheryl Johnson
Interesting idea!
January 13, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Nancy Ferguson
What a stellar idea! I remember hanging my head back to see the house upside down. I haven’t done it for years. Now I will along with sitting under a table. Thank you!
January 13, 2019 at 1:12 pm
KATHY Z.PRICE
Sometimes you just have to change perspective. ‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky!
January 13, 2019 at 1:18 pm
David Bernardy
Another great perspective-changer: climb a tree.Thanks for sharing.
January 13, 2019 at 1:25 pm
osta1wp
Oldie but goodie! Thanks, Tara.
January 13, 2019 at 1:42 pm
Lauri Meyers
I wish I had a treehouse still,like the one I built when I was 10. That thing was so high (I’m going to say 30 feet up, but maybe it was only 15) and so unsafe (it was sturdy but it was just a platform where you had to be cautious of the edges.) I was king of the world up there.
January 13, 2019 at 1:45 pm
Maria Marshall
Love this idea, Tara. Made me remember things that my siblings and I did as kids. Thanks.
January 13, 2019 at 1:46 pm
candicewolff
This post reminded me of the attic in our house in Germany. Both frightening and thrilling at the same time.
One day, I felt brave enough to step I side. I found a single box alone in a corner. Inside was the most unexpected thing.
January 13, 2019 at 1:57 pm
kaleegwarjanski
this is such a good idea! I can’t wait to try it
January 13, 2019 at 2:20 pm
Suzanne Alexander
What a great way to look at the world through a child’s eyes!
January 13, 2019 at 2:28 pm
junesmalls
Thanks for the reminder to keep things in perspective!
January 13, 2019 at 2:36 pm
Tracey Brown
I probably would have tested that velvet rope boundary to reach the magical land beyond 🙂 Thanks for sharing and encouraging us to change perspective
January 13, 2019 at 2:44 pm
Keila Dawson
Such a great reminder to write from the perspective of our audience.
January 13, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Susan Nicholas Korstanje
A great reminder! I forgot about all of the time I spent as a child reading under tables and in closets. I also remember the room that was off limits in my house. Lots of great memories and now — story ideas.
January 13, 2019 at 3:22 pm
Kathryn Jean Hagen
I’m ready to get the fort ready right now (with cookies of course)! Thank you for the reminder about the child’s perspective–literally.
January 13, 2019 at 3:32 pm
Michelle Sumovich
I’m learning to love role-playing exercises! I just spent 15 minutes listening to records in a tent in my daughter’s room and came up with a great list of details! Plus it was a ton of fun. I cheated and had coffee though. Totally blew my cover as an adult.
January 13, 2019 at 3:35 pm
Gayle Veitenheimer
Great perspective. Thanks for the reminder.
January 13, 2019 at 3:52 pm
LenoraBiemans (@BiemansLenora)
I play like this with my child but I’m going to try it on my own now. Great suggestion!
January 13, 2019 at 3:53 pm
Shereen S.
I am so going to sit under the dining table today!
January 13, 2019 at 4:31 pm
Beth Schneider
Bo is adorable! I just want to grab him and curl up with a good book 😊
January 13, 2019 at 4:35 pm
jeanjames926
When I was a kid (and still now) I loved the Peanuts cartoon, and I especially loved the drowning out of the adult voice. My brothers and sisters, and I always tried to imitate it My mother hated the Peanuts, and I could never understand why. Perhaps the child in her was totally gone. Thanks for reminding us to hold on to that child’s perspective.
January 13, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Evelyn Bookless
Maybe next time when my son asks me to get in his fort with him, I’ll leave the work and say YES! Thank you.
January 13, 2019 at 4:49 pm
Mary York
Good suggestion to find the child in us! Love the old Peanuts comic strip!
January 13, 2019 at 5:01 pm
Steve Schwartz
Wonderful post. A child’s perspective is truly her or his reality.
January 13, 2019 at 5:09 pm
Judy Sobanski (@jkspburg)
Flashbacks of my childhood, for sure! Great suggestions!
January 13, 2019 at 6:23 pm
jenfierjasinski
“I’m not hiding, I’m working.” – Me to my spouse today. Thanks for the excuse to sit behind an armchair with chocolate today! I will definitely make this a habit.
January 13, 2019 at 6:25 pm
kathydoherty1
This post was wonderful in so many ways. It took me back to my childhood and crawling around under tables. It made me see how huge the world looks to a child. Thank you, Tara!
January 13, 2019 at 6:32 pm
Stephen S. Martin
I would like to put this post in action, but alas, as a kid now, I don’t know how to write !
January 13, 2019 at 6:43 pm
danesusawwii
I like your idea of being at home and somewhere else at the same time – that is also the magic of reading I think.
January 13, 2019 at 7:13 pm
Bettie Boswell
Thanks for a new perspective. I’ll have to find a fun place to look at the world.
January 13, 2019 at 7:20 pm
donnacangelosi
Thank you for this wonderful post, Tara! I also recall sitting under the table in my childhood home. I appreciate the reminder to look at things from that point of view.
January 13, 2019 at 7:38 pm
Rona Shirdan
Secret spots is a fun focus for a story!
January 13, 2019 at 7:44 pm
andreesantini
I love sitting on the floor and never considered that this is the child’s perspective. And now am wondering what the adults who see me sitting on the floor think?
January 13, 2019 at 7:47 pm
hallee2012
Love this! In addition to making me think about those childhood emotions that are lasting, it reminded me of the “white room” at my friend Brooke’s house that we were never allowed in!! Love that you snuck under the table. So awesome and a great image!! ❤️❤️👍
January 13, 2019 at 7:48 pm
Susanne Whitehouse
Ah! My dining room gets so little use that I love the idea of getting under the table to think. My kids and dog will think I’m weird, but I’m OK with that. 🙂
January 13, 2019 at 8:04 pm
suzannepoulterharris
Great reminder to observe life through the lens of a child. Thanks, Tara!
January 13, 2019 at 8:30 pm
Ryan Roberts
Great to get out of our comfort zones. Thanks
January 13, 2019 at 8:37 pm
Mary Miller
The “Waaaah wahh waaaa” talk of the adults in Peanuts are the best. A whole new level and perspective with the crew front and center, adults never shown. I’ll get under the table and anywhere else to recapture that perspective and yes, I love Dave Matthews.
January 13, 2019 at 8:45 pm
Prairie Garden Girl
You crack me up, Tara! Thank you for reminding me to see the world as a child. This perspective makes me a better writer.
Suzy Leopold
January 13, 2019 at 9:45 pm
Jim Chaize
Thanks, Tara. I’ll try this idea and see what a child would see.
January 13, 2019 at 10:30 pm
Elizabeth Brown
Love this idea! Thank you, Tara!
January 13, 2019 at 10:37 pm
Nadia Salomon (@Nadia_Salomon)
What a wonderful idea. I should take advantage of these resources that are temporarily available to me. These munchkins grow up so fast…
January 13, 2019 at 10:45 pm
Monica Stoltzfus
Tara,
As always- amazing advice. Off to sit under a table. 😉📝🧐
January 13, 2019 at 11:10 pm
sherilyncook
Some of my favorite memories of my daughter was making a fort under the kitchen table, in the large dog crate, and any empty giant cardboard box!
I love your suggestion now placing myself there again, some 18 years later now. HeeHeee
January 13, 2019 at 11:31 pm
Heather Kelso
Thank you Tara for bringing this post back. Great reminder to get down to a child’s level.
January 13, 2019 at 11:32 pm
Rene` Diane Aube
Thanks for the refresher on gaining a child’s perspective, Tara! Definitely must add this to my to do list😊and often!
January 13, 2019 at 11:36 pm
Vicky Ford
What a fun idea. And being a children’s author, our lives are all about seeing the world from a new perspective. Dancing in the rain, hiding under the bed, sitting up in a tree….it’s so important to our writing for children.
January 13, 2019 at 11:37 pm
martina.franklin.poole
I remember hanging upside down off the sofa as a kid and pretending the world was the other way around.
January 13, 2019 at 11:39 pm
carmelamccainsimmons
Wow! I had forgotten the wonder of those moments. My favorite was sitting up in a tree. It allowed me to be “bigger” than everyone around me. It was heavenly. Thanks for putting me back in touch with that magic!
January 14, 2019 at 12:11 am
Diane Tulloch
Great post Tara. Putting oneself in a child’s world. Not sure I will be able to get back out from under the dinning table. May have to stay there till hubby comes home and pulls me out… lol.
January 14, 2019 at 12:16 am
susanzonca
I am one of those interesting folks who will still run in the yard with my arms wide, attempt cartwheels and skip with reckless abandon just to remember the freedom of childhood. Looks like I need to sit under the dining room table, too!
January 14, 2019 at 12:19 am
Lisa Murphy
***runs to find nooks and crannies***
🙂
January 14, 2019 at 12:40 am
Christine Pinto
I love this! Just what I need right now! Thanks!
January 14, 2019 at 2:24 am
Jilanne Hoffmann
I might just climb out onto the roof outside my son’s bedroom, the way I used to sit on the roof of the barn underneath the branches of the mulberry tree….taking me back to my childhood. A brilliant suggestion! Thanks!
January 14, 2019 at 3:43 am
Mirka Hokkanen
Aaaw. I totally used to have a safe spot like that. Wish we still had that couch, my kids now would love it too.
January 14, 2019 at 8:10 am
Kristin Crouch
I love this idea. I’m always on the floor in my classroom and at home with the baby~ but I never really stop to look around and see with the eyes of a child. Thank you!
January 14, 2019 at 8:19 am
Brian
I’m ready for some eye rolls from my wife for participating in this prompt. 🙂
January 14, 2019 at 8:38 am
Nadine Gamble
Thanks again for this fabulous post!
January 14, 2019 at 8:50 am
Clare Juliet Clare Bell
Thank you, Tara! I’m looking forward to my fort…
January 14, 2019 at 9:46 am
aliciaminor
Along with the milk and cookies, might as well bring a buddy with you too like a house pet. Maybe an idea will come up too. Thank you, Tara.
January 14, 2019 at 10:18 am
Daryl Gottier
Time to make a pillow fort. Thanks!!
January 14, 2019 at 10:22 am
Sarah Tobias
Great post. I love sitting on the floor to make projects. Maybe it brings back memories of childhood. I also find when you get down on that level with kids, they see you as an equal and let you in to their world.
January 14, 2019 at 10:31 am
Mary Worley
Interesting Peanuts strip. Just the legs of the adults felt too intrusive. I like the idea of a pillow fort–it’s been too long since I enjoyed a fort.
January 14, 2019 at 10:40 am
Zoraida Rivera
What a universal experience building a world at home! Brought so many memories with my girls! You hit home, Tara.
January 14, 2019 at 10:41 am
Maria Bostian
I know exactly where I’m going to go for a change in perspective. Thanks, Tara!
January 14, 2019 at 10:42 am
CindyC
Thanks for the post…and for hosting StoryStorm. I’m definitely going to write in different places this week.
January 14, 2019 at 10:53 am
kcareywrites
An excuse to act like a kid! I’m in!
January 14, 2019 at 11:02 am
Ashley Bankhead
This is such a fun post! I can remember so many places that I went as a child. What a great idea to find a place to go to get a child’s perspective. Thanks for sharing.
January 14, 2019 at 11:04 am
alisongoldberg
This is so helpful! Thanks for a terrific post!
January 14, 2019 at 11:21 am
writeforapples1
Thanks for sharing!
January 14, 2019 at 11:28 am
tanjabauerle
I never noticed that Charles Schulz didn’t show adults until you pointed it out. Thank you for the push to look at things from a kids perspective. Hugs.T
January 14, 2019 at 11:36 am
Lisa Riddiough
Thank you, Tara! I love the idea of a secret hideaway (beyond my spot in the library). You’ve got me thinking – as always.
January 14, 2019 at 11:42 am
Jacqueline Adams
I had plenty of secret hideaways in my childhood home, but I never looked at my “adult” home that way–until now. Thanks for the new perspective!
January 14, 2019 at 11:46 am
Debbie Meyer
You’re a genius, Tara! I hadn’t thought of actually sitting underneath the dining room table to get a child’s perspective. I’m going to try that. Wish I could sit underneath my desk at the office right now, but that’s a different story. (George Costanza napping comes to mind!)
January 14, 2019 at 12:00 pm
claireannette1
A change of perspective is a great idea – thanks!
January 14, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Lori Alexander
Fun idea. Thanks, Tara!
January 14, 2019 at 12:15 pm
Anne Appert
When I was a kid, my sister and I would constantly make forts under the table. We’d spend hours coloring and playing pretend there. Such a fun idea to revisit this! Thanks!
January 14, 2019 at 1:03 pm
Laurel Ranveig Abell
Dining room table forts were the best! But my favorite “room” was an under-the-stairs basement closet that no one knew about. Oh! And the moth ball scented hideaway attic in my grandmother’s house! Change of perspective always helps! thanks
January 14, 2019 at 1:19 pm
shanah salter
great idea!
January 14, 2019 at 2:06 pm
Nicole Loos Miller (@beautify_life)
Love the idea of trying to see things from a child’s perspective. What an important exercise for writers, parents, teachers, and just general human beings.
January 14, 2019 at 2:59 pm
K.A.Steed
Thanks Tara!
January 14, 2019 at 3:30 pm
Bethanny Parker
Mmmm, cookies!
January 14, 2019 at 3:50 pm
Michelle Kashinsky
I’ve always loved a good nook. When I was little I used to take all the couch cushions and make a tiny house for me to sit in. Love the idea of doing that again. Thank you!
January 14, 2019 at 3:53 pm
Lucy Staugler
Tara, ahhhhhh…the whole world through the eyes of a child….magical!
My heart and soul feel happy right right now.
Thank-you!
January 14, 2019 at 4:04 pm
Becky Scharnhorst
Fun idea, Tara! I’m in the the middle of move so maybe I’ll build a fort out of all the boxes scattered throughout my house. I could use an escape right about now. 🙂
January 14, 2019 at 4:22 pm
Brenda Miller (@meowdemeow)
What a great way to get into the perspective of childhood. I think I’ll make a fort!
January 14, 2019 at 4:25 pm
Lisa Black
Great post
January 14, 2019 at 5:36 pm
littledbl
Off to hide!
January 14, 2019 at 6:05 pm
aidantalkin
Love this post AND remembering being small! I remember feeling the world was built for adults. It is the very perspective I used to write my 2nd book, about a little raccoon who feels too small for everything. (LITTLE JUNIPER MAKES IT BIG, spring 2019, FSG/Macmillan) Thanks!
January 14, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Laurel Goodluck
Great idea… to find a place that brings back your child perspective! I think smells do that for me too. Like opening up my lunch box at school brought on a smell that brings me right back to childhood.
January 14, 2019 at 6:27 pm
Sarah Momo Romero
I forgot what a great place sitting under the table was for me as a little girl too! What a great change of perspective.
January 14, 2019 at 6:29 pm
Mariana
Seeing the world from a kid’s perspective is something that I sometimes forget to do when I write. This, and using words that children would use too. This post is a good reminder of what needs to be remembered in order to come up with ideas and wording for children stories, always considering their perspective. Thanks!
January 14, 2019 at 7:02 pm
Caren Cantrell
Ha, ha – my first thought was how do you fit under there? But seeing things from a different perspective makes a ton of sense. Thanks for the quirky idea.
January 14, 2019 at 7:52 pm
Dawn
Cute doggie! Thanks for sharing, Tara!
January 14, 2019 at 7:53 pm
Joana Pastro
I love this! I sit a lot on the floor but I’ve never taken that kind of advantage of it. When I do it I need to start looking around as a child would.
Thanks for the tip, Tara!
January 14, 2019 at 8:04 pm
SARAH Meade
Love this post. I did this too as a child, but it was a bench in my grandmother’s kitchen.
January 14, 2019 at 9:03 pm
Trine Grillo
Sounds like fun!
January 14, 2019 at 10:02 pm
teresa.mi.schaefer
Haven’t sat under the table in a long time. Need to revisit the old space.
January 14, 2019 at 11:40 pm
Anne LeBlanc (@AnneLeBlanc2)
I love writing outside (when the angle of the sun doesn’t interfere with your computer).
January 15, 2019 at 12:15 am
ccnolympia
Thanks for this post. I was so taken back that you had rooms roped off. I love that you snuck in to those spaces. I have always enjoyed getting in unusual vantage points, but your post gave me some new ideas to explore and get creative in. 🙂 Thanks for that!
January 15, 2019 at 12:19 am
RaeMcDonald
Kids perspective….key words to hold dear here. Thank you!
January 15, 2019 at 12:24 am
RaeMcDonald
Z- You really fleshed this character out…love it. Quirky fun that we all love.
Thank you.
January 15, 2019 at 12:38 am
Helen Taylor
Great reminder about thinking like a kid. Or a crumb.
January 15, 2019 at 12:54 am
storycatcherpublishing
That’s why I sometimes join in with the kids when they play games at my Taekwondo school…to see the world through their eyes, if just for a moment…
Great post!
January 15, 2019 at 7:20 am
Brittanny Handiboe
Gotta make a little nook now. Instead of milk and cookies though I’d probably have some dark chocolate and wine, or just grape juice.
January 15, 2019 at 9:19 am
narmo2400
Treehouses are a fun way to get a different perspective too. Fun post.
January 15, 2019 at 9:44 am
Anita
Love the reminder!
January 15, 2019 at 9:56 am
Jenny Boyd
How fun! I can’t wait to build a fort (and sneak some milk and cookies) and see what ideas come to me.
January 15, 2019 at 10:07 am
Kathleen Cornell-Berman
Thanks for this post Tara! I’ve been slow with the ideas this year, but your scenerio just gave me an idea.
January 15, 2019 at 10:50 am
Judy Bryan
This is a great way to think like a child! I used to lay on my floor, look up at the ceiling, and imagine walking through my house upside down. No idea why, but it was fun!
January 15, 2019 at 10:56 am
rgstones
I love this idea.
January 15, 2019 at 10:56 am
Loralee Petersen
Thanks Tara. Great idea! I grew up on a farm and I think my special spots were all outdoors – the climbing tree, the massive elm stump, the hay mow. Those were my favorites.
January 15, 2019 at 11:16 am
Peggy Jaegly
Tara, you’ve awakened memories of all the places I used to hide and eavesdrop on the adults! Thank you!
January 15, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Annie Lynn, AnnieBirdd Music, LLC
I wish I could show you a picture of my 9×9 screen tent in the woods out back, where I write and compose. I haven’t found anywhere as peaceful yet vibrant. I think I will go hang out with my dog, in the sunlight, under the dining room table. Worth a try. Thanks for this awesome event Tara.💙✌🏼💁🏼🎶🎨📚😊
January 15, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Sarah John
Fun to think of everyone crawling under their tables! Thanks for the technique!
January 15, 2019 at 1:20 pm
Sara Pistulka Weingartner
Love this reminder to physically put myself at a child’s vantage, Tara! Can’t wait to see my son’s reaction when I join him under the table tonight.
January 15, 2019 at 1:31 pm
shiela Fuller
Sometimes I’ll actually sit on the floor and eat popcorn or cookies like I did when I was a child. Funny thing, I feel very comfortable. Not grown-up at all.
January 15, 2019 at 2:25 pm
Teresa Robeson
I don’t do this nearly often enough; thanks for the reminder to do it, Tara!
January 15, 2019 at 3:47 pm
Ms. Schubé
Great advice – thank you!
January 15, 2019 at 5:19 pm
Susan Schade
Great idea! Discover like a child and see familiar things differently.
Thanks, Tara! I love Storystorm!
January 15, 2019 at 6:08 pm
laura516
Always looking for a child-like angle. Thanks!
January 15, 2019 at 6:36 pm
Susan Orton
Tara, you have me thinking of all of those wondrous places we inhabited as children. I’m listing them and will revisit them to see what unfolds. This is a great way to bring out the kid in all of us! Thank you!
January 15, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Melissa Stoller
Thanks, Tara. This makes me smile. I will be sitting under my table tomorrow morning!
January 15, 2019 at 7:15 pm
kjerstenhayes
Really fun advice! Thank you.
January 15, 2019 at 10:41 pm
Andrew Lefebvre
I like to think from different perspectives. Great idea.
January 16, 2019 at 8:46 am
Catherine Millington
Taking a moment to hide away is so good for the soul of the child within. Thanks for the reminder of how beautiful the child’s perspective is.
January 16, 2019 at 10:15 am
naturewalkwithgod
I love how you change up the perspective, Tara. I actually sit on the floor often, but not in the kitchen. So, I will grab some chips and salsa and give it a try in there. 🙂 –Kim
January 16, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Judy Cooper
Great reminder to see things through a child’s perspective. Thank you.
January 16, 2019 at 1:48 pm
Christina Shawn
Underneath the dining room table was one of my all time favorite spots as a child. I’m going to go sit under my table now for a while. Thank you for the reminder!
January 16, 2019 at 1:53 pm
Poupette Smith
Oh, the wonders of childhood! Standing on counters offers great perspective too, like when we climbed to reach for hidden sugar cubes.
January 16, 2019 at 2:18 pm
R.J. Koehn
Great idea….though I often crawl under the table to hide from my kids.
January 16, 2019 at 2:24 pm
curryelizabeth
I had a favorite dining room table spot too! Great idea to change perspective. Thanks!
January 16, 2019 at 4:26 pm
deniseaengle
Awwww!!!! I love this child’s perspective. I’m doing it!
January 16, 2019 at 4:29 pm
readstuffnwrite
Great reminder that we all need to remember the child’s perspective. Unfortunately I think if I crawled under the table it would weird out my flatmates!
January 16, 2019 at 5:06 pm
Joannie Duris
Thanks, Tara. Love the picture of you and Bo. Here’e to childhood memories of under-table caves, chair-blanket tunnels, and cardboard-box spaceships!
January 16, 2019 at 6:07 pm
carolkim328561673
As someone who is vertically-challenged I can totally relate to the idea of different perspectives from different altitudes!
January 16, 2019 at 7:45 pm
joyceschr
Ah perspectives. A different POV can change one’s life. 🙂
January 17, 2019 at 2:06 am
Terri Sabol
Another good post about the perspective of a child. Thanks, Tara!
January 17, 2019 at 3:08 am
Nancy Kotkin (@Brave_New_Words)
Adorable pic of you and your dog. Here’s to the little girl in you.
January 17, 2019 at 11:51 am
andromeda515
I spent so much time as a kid, hanging out in weird places. I had forgotten how much fun it was.
January 17, 2019 at 11:54 am
Helen
I love this idea. Not only seeing thru the eyes of a child but really getting to their level and mindset.
January 17, 2019 at 1:11 pm
Marie Powell
Love this idea — off to grab the milk and cookies. Thanks!
January 17, 2019 at 1:26 pm
Susan Wroble
Thanks for this reminder of special spaces! My grandparents house had a living room that was only for guests. I would not only sneak into the living room, but I’d hide behind the couch to be completely undisturbed with my book!
January 17, 2019 at 2:46 pm
sjctenney
I love it! We really do forget what it’s like to think like a child!
January 17, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Patricia Toht
Great idea, Tara! I just need to make sure I don’t fall asleep…
January 17, 2019 at 5:16 pm
gingermeurer
Thanks for sharing your secret place with us, Tara. Glad you reminded us of this great post. For me, that private world was in the leaves of a big tree. Maybe it’s time I go climbing again.
January 17, 2019 at 7:36 pm
Lydia Lukidis
All great ideas, Tara. It’s all about re-connecting to childhood. The way they see the world is simply magical.
January 17, 2019 at 7:40 pm
Janet Frenck Sheets
I used to squeeze into the small space between the piano and the wall. Thanks for bringing back that memory. There’s no piano in my current house, but I’ll find a hiding place somewhere!
January 18, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Noelle McBride
Whee! Can’t wait to try this.
January 18, 2019 at 3:21 pm
Megan Walvoord (@mjwalvoord2)
Great suggestion. Get to where you would have gone to hide or play as a child.Can’t wait to give it a go.
January 18, 2019 at 4:55 pm
imagination4lf
It’s amazing what you can see and hear when you change your perspective. Thank you for sharing and reminding us of the importance (and fun) of being a kid again. 🙂
January 18, 2019 at 6:55 pm
Sarah Maynard (@SarahDMaynard)
Perspective is important! It can change everything. Thanks Tara!
January 19, 2019 at 9:00 am
mbhmaine
Thank you for the invitation/reminder to revisit childhood haunts. You reminded me of hours spent lost in the wonderful world of my closet as a child. I’m excited to linger there (alas only in memory) and perhaps find some unexplored nooks in my current home.
January 19, 2019 at 11:11 am
Elizabeth Metz
The very essence of this post just gave me a fully formed book idea. Thank you, Tara!
January 19, 2019 at 11:22 am
Jill
Also great to do this in a grocery or department store, but admittedly some may think you are a little odd!
January 19, 2019 at 12:47 pm
Tiffany Painter
Thank you for my time sitting on the floor in front of the large window in the mountains. It is a whole new world down there.
January 19, 2019 at 4:36 pm
Laurie Bouck
You’re so right about the kid’s perspective – just this week I was down on the dining room floor with my seven year old grandson, sitting inside his fort with all his special toys and his mini fairy lights. What a magical little place that was!
January 19, 2019 at 5:24 pm
Cassie Bentley
I’ve had many secret hiding places in various houses as a kid. Great idea to make or find one as an adult, then get into a kids perspective.
January 19, 2019 at 10:57 pm
Jennifer Wright
I love this post so very much, Tara. The idea of literally and figuratively getting back down to a child’s perspective is a great one. This is just enchanting. Thank you for your great ideas! 💕
January 19, 2019 at 11:15 pm
Jill M Proctor
Long time since I built a fort. Childhood is calling!
January 20, 2019 at 12:25 am
topangamaria
Change it up and get down = all right now!
January 20, 2019 at 3:10 pm
thesheilster
Loved this! Thanks for the idea. And today’s a rainy day, so it might be the perfect time to build a cozy fort.
January 20, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Carolyn Kraft
Such a great idea, I will have to try this!
January 20, 2019 at 7:22 pm
Cindy E. Owens
This is a fantastic article. I love the idea of sitting underneath a table, and taking in the surroundings with a child-like awareness. 🙂
January 20, 2019 at 10:37 pm
Danielle Hicks
Oh my goodness, I am going to do this right away – milk and cookies included! What a great idea to get perspective. Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
January 21, 2019 at 3:19 am
dlapmandi
I always made playhouses and forts with my nieces and nephews. Blankets thrown across chairs and connecting to the dining room table have only a child’s viewpoint. Thanks for reminding us. Thanks for the post.
January 21, 2019 at 6:22 am
Rick Starkey
I enjoy looking at the world from different perspectives.
January 21, 2019 at 9:27 am
cantsing1
Oh, sweet. And wish the house I grew up in still stood so I could go do it there. . . .
January 21, 2019 at 3:37 pm
julielacombeauthor
You always have such great ideas! (i’m typing this as I sit under a fort made of sheets, hiding from my kids!)
January 21, 2019 at 4:03 pm
Linda J Thomas
Thank you, Tara, for this post on changing (lowering?) our perspective! I love the suggestion, and the phrase “criss-cross-applesauce” which I’ve never heard before. And your memory of the rope…I’m picturing those rose and gold ropes in historic homes…is a picture book idea itself.
January 21, 2019 at 4:19 pm
Meilssa Chupp
I’ve often thought about writing in the closet. Now I have a legitimate excuse!
January 21, 2019 at 6:09 pm
aturner513
I try to keep this in mind as I play with my grandsons. While I am enjoying them, I also think “what is their perspective”? Thank you for the reminder
January 21, 2019 at 9:57 pm
Angela H. Dale
I remember laying on the grass, or making angels in the snow, staring at the trees and sky and birds. Thanks for the reminder to see through a child’s eyes, and from a different point of view.
January 21, 2019 at 11:37 pm
Charlene Avery
Thanks Tara. If I’m in the blanket tent I’m invisible by kids rules…cool! Great way I discovered my nephews fingerprints on underside of our table each time he ate over…yogurt prints, fruit or whatever was on his hands.
January 22, 2019 at 12:40 am
Beth Stilborn
I am currently snug in one of my favorite childhood memories — one of my earliest childhood memories — and I think there might be a book idea there. Thank you, Tara!
January 22, 2019 at 1:48 am
Hillary Homzie
Love the idea of reclaiming your sense of wonder by finding child spaces to inhabit. So wise!
January 22, 2019 at 10:51 am
Elizabeth C Steiner
My kids have liked this storystorm challenge the most:) Thanks! We came up with some good ideas under the kitchen table!
January 22, 2019 at 11:33 am
Kelly Vavala
Love this idea! Sitting in one of our home made forts while eating chocolate chip cookies! Kids perspective! Wonder if my husband will think this odd lol
January 22, 2019 at 6:32 pm
Paula VanEnkevort
Thank you for the great suggestion to get into a child’s perspective by putting yourself in a location that they might inhabit physically. I love this idea, and it will be fun to try out!
January 22, 2019 at 10:46 pm
Rhonda Whitaker
Thanks Tara! I love opportunities to channel my inner child!
January 23, 2019 at 11:30 am
Emily
Absolutely! One of the benefits of teaching young children is I’m often down at their eye-level. It’s fascinating!
January 23, 2019 at 2:58 pm
Kyle McBride
Revert to childhood! Yay!
January 23, 2019 at 6:28 pm
LAUREN BARBIERI
Love it!
January 23, 2019 at 8:02 pm
Amanda Davis
Now you have me thinking–where is the perfect kid perspective in our home?!? Hmmm….thanks for keeping me curious, Tara!
January 24, 2019 at 7:34 am
sharongiltrow
Thanks Tara what a great idea :-).
January 24, 2019 at 11:01 pm
jessica shaw
Secret writing spot: check!
January 26, 2019 at 9:33 am
Shel ledrew
Thank you b
January 26, 2019 at 5:06 pm
Janet A Bryce
Thank you, such a good idea.
January 26, 2019 at 8:35 pm
Lou
I think I’ll sit in a tree and kill off the parents in my latest draft.
January 26, 2019 at 10:13 pm
Robyn Campbell
It’s all about the children. Thank you, Tara. You made all this possible. Hugs.
January 27, 2019 at 2:53 am
Robin Robb-Kraus
Just would like to echo words of thanks for hosting Storystorm 2019! So much fun and I am learning so much! Now I am trying to think of different perspectives in a variety of environments!! Hmmmm…..
January 27, 2019 at 5:19 pm
Joyce
Thanks.
January 27, 2019 at 7:26 pm
Maria J Cuesta
Great reminder to try to get children’s looks. Thanks a lot!!
January 28, 2019 at 11:25 am
Brandon Collins
🙂
January 29, 2019 at 2:22 am
Susan Tuggy
Lots of crumbs down here! In search of more hiding places.
January 29, 2019 at 10:25 am
creationsbymit
My childhood forts were lit up by a Lite Brite! What a great memory! Thanks for stirring up the memory and the ideas!
Michele Katz Grieder
January 29, 2019 at 12:02 pm
Susie Sawyer
Oh yes. Perspective is everything! As my children have grown older, I need to work harder to see the world from their angle. Thank you for this great suggestion!
January 29, 2019 at 1:36 pm
hannahtuohyillustration
Thanks for sharing, Tara. I’ll have to search out the good kid spots in my home!
January 29, 2019 at 10:49 pm
Carolyn
I wonder what other ways we can get a child’s eye view… maybe sitting in the back seat of the car! 🙂
January 29, 2019 at 11:58 pm
Charlene Avery
Yep, perspective. Neat to see the camera held at 33″ in another blog too. I read yours days ago and it’s had me looking down and around much. Thanks!
January 30, 2019 at 5:56 pm
sallie wolf
I used to make a nest of blankets in my bed and pretend I was living in a cave. Thanks for prompting this memory with your post.
January 30, 2019 at 6:20 pm
Kelly Rice Schmitt
what a great way to channel our inner children 🙂
January 30, 2019 at 7:24 pm
Kassy Keppol
My grandmother house had a room like that too. Never allowed in, so we snuck in.
January 30, 2019 at 8:44 pm
Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez
You totally described me here! I definitely share into the closet or the floor of the kitchen or bathroom when I need some me time, so excited to use this practice for more fun now, not just solice
January 31, 2019 at 1:46 am
Jocelyn Rish
I used to sit under the table, too, but that was because I wanted to be with the dog and the dog wanted to be with the crumbs. 😀
January 31, 2019 at 5:13 pm
Carolyne Ruck
What a great idea to change your perspective … and remember what it was like to be a “little person.”
January 31, 2019 at 7:53 pm
higherthanrubies
I love being reminded to look at things from a kid’s perspective. I get so busy adulting….I forget. Thank you.
January 31, 2019 at 11:02 pm
Laurie Swindler
One time when I was in a large group of adults, I knelt down to get a child’s perspective. I felt hemmed in by towering figures, insignificant, ignored and impotent. That experience has stayed with me whenever I try to remember what it’s like to be a child.
January 31, 2019 at 11:11 pm
denitajohnson
Great idea to look at a child’s point of view.
February 3, 2019 at 2:42 am
N. Carvalho-Lee
I love this idea!! Thank you for the tip!
February 3, 2019 at 12:43 pm
Dianne
Yay. I do feel like hiding under a table today. Thanks for the idea. And for permission to take milk and cookies.
February 3, 2019 at 3:10 pm
Johna Nicole Rossetti
Kids perspective and view are excellent ways to get new ideas generated. With a toddler in my household, I have plenty of opportunities to see things from a child’s height. He loves to climb all over me when I’m on the ground with him and building forts is so fun to do together. Thanks for the suggestions.
February 4, 2019 at 4:49 pm
loelmu
Nice perspective! HA!
February 4, 2019 at 5:04 pm
Jess Bourgeois
Perspective changes everything! Loved hiding under the dining room table WHILE there were adults about – felt like spying on a secret world I wasn’t yet a part of.
February 5, 2019 at 12:05 am
Sheri Dillard
Love it! Thanks, Tara! 🙂
January 12, 2021 at 5:32 am
Sharon E. Langley
I don’t know what just happened; my comment disappeared. Please excuse me if it seems like I commented twice. It wasn’t intended.
I was going to say that I put my puppy stuffies on my desk and I read to them and discuss the story with them as I write. They are very good listeners and always give thoughtful feedback. I must spend more time with them. i’ve been missing them
No milk and cookies…just biscuits.