Tiny Fort (A Win-Win Workaround)

For a few weeks, A. was beyond obsessed with building forts.  Often, it was the first thing she wanted to do upon waking up.

Being process-oriented, I quickly settled upon an ideal fort configuration for our living room that required the following:

• 3 couch cushions - two for the walls, one for the roof
• 2 blankets - one for the floor; the other draped over the top, creating a tent flap door
• Disney princess table and chair - to support the walls from the outside

I would build the fort against the couch, creating a third half wall.  A. loved to climb in and out of the opening, and probably used it more than the actual door.

But anyway, while building forts is generally fun, it can get a little tiresome--especially at the crack of dawn.  Also, there are times where you really don't want to rip apart your couch and living room.

So one day, I devised a workaround: the tiny fort.  The tiny fort is essentially just a sheet or blanket draped over our heads.

The tiny fort was an instant hit, and a clear win-win. It's quick and easy to build, and it's still a lot of fun for A. Often, she'll be sitting on a couch or bed and reach for a blanket, saying "tiny."  And to be honest, she rarely wants to build regular forts anymore.

As a marketer, I'm inclined to believe branding contributed to the tiny fort being a hit, as the name maintains the positive association with forts in general. Had I called it something else, say "blanket on head," I don't think it would still be in the rotation today.

What workaround have you devised for your kids?