The word Boundaries conjures up all sorts of ideas in my head. The obvious are fences, hedgerows and walls round private property or land, to define ownership and maintain privacy. Then there are those railings around parks and public buildings to regulate or restrict access. Some boundaries are essential for security such as round airports, government or military buildings. Then there are the barriers around areas of danger, like deep water, rock falls or steep cliffs. These would all provide super subjects for this week’s photo challenge.
But, having looked through my photos I selected an emotive photo of my little grandson standing by the boundary fence at a recent steam railway event. He could easily squeeze through the gap provided by the missing paling, but of course he doesn’t, because, at the age of 2, he already setting himself personal boundaries.
The object of his interest is Thomas the tank Engine, which, although it is incredibly old fashioned, seems to appeal to most children, and especially little boys or children on the autistic spectrum.
The stories of Thomas and his friends were actually published 70 years ago in 1945 under the title of The Three Railway Engines, and Thomas wasn’t even in the first book. It was about Edward, Henry and Gordon. Thomas didn’t come in until the end of book two. If you are really interested in the history of Thomas I recommend this site, pegnsean
I spend a great deal of time with my grandchildren and I have been through the Thomas phase a couple of times. Personally, as an adult, I prefer Chuggington with its exciting storylines and more contemporary language. But I can see the appeal of Thomas for very young children. The island of Sodor, where Thomas lives and works, is an idyllic setting, safe and stable, where nothing much changes. Whenever problems arise the little engines sort everything out slowly and surely with hard work and co-operation. This is reassuring for children making them feel safe and comfortable.
There is something about Thomas as a character too that is deeply comfortable. It could be the chubby cheeks or the big eyes. He just looks like the archetypical train engine.
Children when asked to draw a house will draw a rather square box with a chimney, windows and a door, whether they live in a semi or a flat. I read that a recent survey found when children were asked to draw a train, 95 per cent of them drew a steam train! This is surprising when trains these days are so different. Virgin Trains are running a competition at the moment to design a Christmas Train. I do wonder how many of the entries will feature a steam chimney or funnel!
Heavenhappens 
you lost me at chugington
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Sorry 😂
But I did enjoy it and still have a full set and track! I’m on my 7th grandchild now and they have all enjoyed it x
Thanks for reading my blog though- I hope you will explore some of my other posts. Have a lovely day!
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What a beautiful blog you have Brenda :-)..It’s great to read your posts. This post is my starting point and is of course lovely, and I am looking forward to read more..
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Wow thank you! Lovely readers and comments are just what I need right now. My angels must have sent you!
Sent by Brenda Kimmins
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Thomas the Tank Engine is probably only “old fashioned” to us grown-ups. A lovely post. And memories of reading Thomas to my own little ones.Thank you, too, for stopping by my blog and leaving a kind comment.
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Ah happy memories – one of the joys of blogging! I’ve been playing with Thomas and his friends this afternoon with my youngest granddaughter- she’s 1. There is some wonderful merchandise around now and I’ve got most of it!!
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What an interesting post! I’d never given Thomas much thought before, but you learn something new everyday. 🙂
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I’m so glad you enjoyed it! There’s more to Thomas than meets the eye!
Sent by Brenda Kimmins
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Hi!
What a sweet post! Every child whom I knew adored the Thomas stories. Bless your grandson. He looks so happy with the trains!!
Thank you for coming to my blog.
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Thank you x yes he is captivated by trains, helicopters or anything that moves really! He is adorable.
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You are welcome! Just a side note, I was a volunteer during one year in an association that helps autistic children. I helped ( with a small group) a young boy to come out of his shell through play and interaction. We used a method based on the US Son-Rise techniques.It was such a rich experience. 🙂
Have a great day!
Barb
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Wow that is amazing. I must look up that technique.
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Ah Thomas! My grandson loved Thomas and would play for hours with the wooden track and the different train cars. He also went to see Thomas….and rode the Thomas train too. Ages 2 to 4 seem the optimum for this magical muse of our little ones.
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It’s a beautiful time x before they go to school they are so adorable, innocent and easily entertained x
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Reassuring for children feel safe and comfortable is important at the very young age. Well said!
Lovely image of your grandchild facing the fence. 🙂
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Thank you for a lovely comment.
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Love that shot of your grandchild at the fence! Excellent challenge choice.
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Thank you x I love it- he is so longing to see Thomas bless him x
Sent by Brenda Kimmins
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