"The Dark Ages"

🌟Weekly Inspiration🌟

I have a charming client that loves LEGOs. He’s a young adult; he is smart and creative and it’s quite extraordinary what he can design and build with LEGOs. We got to talking about something that LEGO aficionados call “the dark ages.” I was fascinated by this concept and my client sent me an article: “When the LEGO Dark Ages Creeps Up on You” by TheBrickBlogger.com. This is a period when one loses interest in the lego bricks. Often it occurs during the teen years, when suddenly LEGO seems childish or the person develops other interests. This “tragedy” occurs to most LEGO fans at some point. There is really no way to stop The LEGO Dark Ages, but there are things that can help one make it through The Dark Ages. Some suggestions:
*Keep some of your LEGO collection in sight.
*Do not give away your LEGO collection.
*Do not force yourself to use them.

My client explained that the “dark ages” are generally thought of as necessary darkness/quieting of interest in LEGOs and that these periods are positively regarded. The person that returns to LEGOs after a sustained break, comes back with a renewed vigor for their former love; people tend to feel more inspired, invigorated, and joyful in their creations. My client has had his own periods of LEGO dark ages and has returned with added enthusiasm. It just got me thinking 💡. Often adolescents set aside interests and try new ones on for size. Often they circle back to the ones that really capture them and are part of their identity. When we consider year round sports as it exists today, there really is no break for children to miss it and return the next season, like there was when we parents were growing up.

Ask Yourself

What were my favorite pastimes as a child? Did they remain throughout my life?
Did I have periods of darkness? Why did I lose interest?
What do I observe about my children and their interests?
Do they ever get a period of dormancy and then return with more enthusiasm?
Do I give them permission to take breaks or quit something that no longer serves them?
How does playing year round sports/club spots impact their enjoyment of the activity?
How can I apply the learnings of this LEGO concept to our family life?

Be well!