On Wednesday 09 Apr 2008 5:08:55 am divya manian wrote: > Completely agree with this! I grew up with minimal toys not even the > token robot or a barbie.
Many years ago my son had a "theme birthday" based on his (then) current interest - aeroplanes. He got several aeroplane toys (and books, which I now keep) - ranging from a rigid cast Aluminium model of an aircraft to one of those moronic aircraft robots with lights, movement and noise making ability. It turned out that he lost interest in the latter after 3 days - but the rigid cast metal model retained his fascination for years simply because of its pluripotency. The model (of a Mig 21) served as a aircraft when necessary. It would also stand vertically on its tailplane and tailfin and would pass for a man. It could be held up as a ray gun, and used in other innovative ways to serve as what it was not designed to be. This sums up a child's mind and creativity. When a toy is packed with defining features and hallmarks as a_particular_object it gets boring after a while because it has too little versatility. The "working" noisemaking plane fell into that category. For this reason I believe that it is important to give children toys that can become anything - typically blocks, cylinders and spheres (which he cannot use to inhale and block his breathing). It is remarkably difficult to get such toys in India. The "toy problem" gets worse. By the time your child is 13 you will be running out of options regarding what you can get him - because he will have pretty much everything. Cellphone, iPod, game console, bike, musical instrument/s, camera - you name it - he has it. I believe the unfavorable comparison of any one of us on this list and a person who celebrates a 1 lakh birthday for "little baba" in a hotel/resort is not as great as one might think. If you are earning enough in India to enjoy the lifestyle your parents used to associate with America - you are heading towards giving your child every possible toy and an education that forces him to rub shoulders with children of parents who bow to every expensive tantrum their little devil has. Your child could be jealous of the Playstation that someone got at age 9, and the trip to Disneyland at age 11. He will ask why he does not receive 4000 Rupees a month as pocket money. A lot depends on how tough YOU are and what values you have and whether you want your child to see reality or whether you are living out your own fantasies through your child. shiv
