Since she was about three years old, one of Sofia’s favorite shows has been ‘Jake and the Neverland Pirates.’ She is inspired by the idea of discovery, working together as a team and treasure. Hey, the girl loves her bling!

One morning at breakfast, she asked if she could watch the show after she finished eating. I knew we had a half-day of errands and running around coming up — which would mean a lot of travel time in the car — so I didn’t want her sitting and just watching a show, only to have her sit more during our commute.

Instead, I offered “How about we have our own treasure hunt?” Her eyes lit up and she agreed enthusiastically. Since that first, time, we’ve made a ton of treasure maps and have switched up the activities over and over again.

There are really an endless number of things I can have Sofia work on as a step in the treasure hunt. We’ve put together outdoor treasure hunts that have included kids horseshoe throwing, blowing bubbles and stepping to break them, and t-ball. I try to incorporate whatever activity she has been working on in physical therapy and occupational therapy that particular week and I modify it to a home-friendly environment with items we have at-the-ready.

For the ‘hidden treasure’ as a treat at the end of the hunt, I have a collection of $1 items, but I’ve also just used a couple of Hershey’s kisses or another small treat.

And, I’ve got to close with one of Sofia’s favorite jokes:

Q: Why are pirates called pirates?

A: They just ARRRRRRGH