My daughter invented a new game she calls “playing lions”. It involves a lion and a deer.
No, it doesn’t end like that. She’s a toddler, and the nature videos she’s seen are basically Simba on the safari. She hasn’t even seen The Lion King because that movie still makes me cry.

But I digress.
It’s a new game we play where I am the lion, and she is the deer. My job as the lion is to chase her around the house while she giggles and laughs. When she needs a break from being chased, she runs to her room and closes the door, giggling behind it.
A few minutes later, she’s out again laughing and asking to be chased.

She forgets from time to time that she is the deer and roars at me. I ask her if she wants to be the lion, but she reminds me that she’s my little deer.
So, of course, I chase her again.
It’s helping me to get my steps in, that’s for sure, and she is getting MUCH faster!
On nights when momma lion has had a long hard day at work, it can be difficult to summon the energy to be a lion. I understand why they like to bask in the sun.
But those precious little giggles are totally worth it. In another year or two, she’ll be too big for lions and deer, so best to enjoy it now.
And I love knowing what an active imagination she has. It’s my privilege to be included in her fun.
Any silly games you ever played to amuse yourself or someone else? What was it? Did you ever find it fun?
What a beautiful post–and memory you’re creating! Really enjoyed it–thanks!
This is adorable!! I remember when my kids were this young!
Kids are the most amazing, infuriating, awesome little creatures.
Absolutely, and I hear it gets worse when they’re teenagers!