Last month, I shared with you The Best of the Best Baby Gear from Fisher-Price.

(Readers chimed in that they treasured Fisher-Price swings, the Ocean Wonders Aquarium and Little People Sets! It’s so wonderful that you all have such great memories associated with Fisher-Price’s baby gear and toys.)

Today, it’s on to Children’s Toys… the Best of the Best, that is.

So what makes one product better than another – and good enough to outrank hundreds – sometimes thousands – of other products? Here’s the list:

Brilliant Basics Rock a Stack
Laugh & Learn Love to Play Puppy
Laugh & Learn Say Please Tea Set
Laugh & Learn Click ‘n Learn Remote
Brilliant Basics Stroll-Along Walker
Little People Wheelies Stand ‘ n Play Rampway
Little People Animal Sounds Farm

And WHY they’re favourites:

- The toys have been tried & tested through the years, and year over year have been favourites of moms, not just in Canada, but globally.

- They have lasted through generations of kids, and continually pass the “kid test”!

- They encourage child development and support children in achieving important milestones.

For my boys, it’s all about the cars. It’s always about the cars. That’s why they loved the Little People Wheelies Stand ‘n Play Rampway. 

On the Stand ’n Play Rampway, they zipped and zoomed up and down and all around! It’s over two feet tall, so the Wheelies really would zoom down each of the two spiral ramps. Ryder and Reid adored the lights and sounds as the cars “drove” around, with a mechanic’s lift, a place to fill ’er up, a sign that spins when a car drives through. Bonus: it was one of the few toys they could enjoy together, as they each took turns launching their Wheelies down the ramp.

They played with the Stand ’n Play Rampway for months before they decided to move on to another toy. It was definitely a “favourite” in our household too!

View the full list of Fisher-Price Favourites here. Is your Fisher-Price favourite listed above?

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program and I receive perks as part of my affiliation.
The opinions on this blog are my own.

Six months ago, Disney’s The Little Mermaid was not on my radar.

I mean, why should it be? I have two young BOYS. Boys who like cars, and colouring pictures of cars, and making car engine noises, and sleeping with their cars… in car pajamas, of course. So while we are well equipped with Disney Cars movies, figurines and basically anything with a Lightning McQueen image emblazoned across the front, we did not own anything princess-y. At all.

Of course, that was before THIS happened – From my post “The Most Magical Place on Earth…”

“As we walked along Fantasyland, little Reid kept telling us that he wanted to see the “beautiful fish”. Confused, we tried to find Dory from Finding Nemo, and then showed him pictures of Flounder. “No, no, no!” he cried. “I want the Bootiful Fish!” he said, pointing at Ariel’s Grotto. Ah! The Little Mermaid! We journeyed under the sea and stood in a short line to meet Reid’s new favourite character. Once inside, he became bashful; putting his head down and hiding behind me. It was so enduring! His first crush – on a Princess, no less! After a little coaxing he gave her a huge hug and then sat down beside her, grinning from ear to ear. (Ryder, who’s too cool for school, was also convinced to get in the picture, though he was decidedly less impressed.) Watching Reid blush, smile and flirt was definitely a tear-jerking moment – but can you blame me? My little boy is growing up!”

Well, that was that. He fell hard for Princess Ariel and wanted everything to do with the world of The Little Mermaid. (I didn’t have the heart to tell him she was already taken.) In fact, at the Art of Animation’s gift shop, my husband and I were both surprised when he walked straight to the Ariel figurine and pointed – “Her.”

And that’s when it happened. The colossally bad move on my husband’s part. (more…)

It seems like every day that passes by, someone puts out a new “Best of” or “Favourites” list for baby items. “Top 5″ this and “Top 10″ that. The trouble is, whom do you trust? What makes one product better than another – and good enough to outrank hundreds – sometimes thousands – of other products?

So here’s what you do. Step 1: Take a trusted brand such as Fisher-Price.

Step 2: Find their recommendations for babies. For instance, Fisher-Price Favourites include:

Ocean Wonders Aquarium
My Little Snugabunny Cradle N Swing
Infant to Toddler Rocker
SpaceSaver High Chair
Discover’n Grow Jumperoo

Step 3: Find out WHY they’re favourites. Too many times companies arbitrarily list products that are best sellers, or products they’d like to promote. Not the case here. These particular items are Fisher-Price favourites because:

- The toys have been tried & tested through the years, and year over year have been favourites of moms, not just in Canada, but globally.

- They have lasted through generations of kids, and continually pass, not only the “Dr. Alfano test”, but also the “kid test”!

- They encourage child development and support children in achieving important milestones.

I am proud to stand behind Fisher-Price’s Favourites and can vouch that many of the products were passed between both my boys, especially the beloved Jumperoo.

(We had the “Rainforest” version – and I must admit that Ryder was a little territorial when we first handed it down to baby brother Reid, pictured right.

It was one of the first baby items he had a sense “belonged” to him, and he became a little green with envy every time Reid bounced away happily. Sigh, the good old days!)

View the full list of Fisher-Price Favourites here. Do you have a Fisher-Price Favourite?

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program and I receive perks as part of my affiliation. 
The opinions on this blog are my own.

When Ryder first arrived almost five years ago, I did what every new mother does.

I obsessed.

I obsessed about sleeping, pooping, feeding, changing, bathing, swaddling and the like. I obsessed over what my baby was doing, not doing, watching, feeling… you name it, I Googled it.

(You too? High five, sister.)

It didn’t end there. Shortly after he was born, I was introduced to one of the most feared words known to parents around the world: “Milestone”. Although seemingly harmless, the word is loaded with meaning. It can invoke joy, paranoia – even downright depression – depending on how your child fares against the perception of when a milestone “should” be met. And so I spent too much time fretting over why Ryder couldn’t point by the age of 6 months, or join two words by 15 months… which I now realize was terribly unproductive behaviour. Looking back, I should have spent my time celebrating the quirky, lively, healthy little baby who was already growing too quickly, and trusted that I would have recognized if there was something to be truly concerned about. Today, at almost 5 years old, he’s completely ordinary – and extraordinary – in so many ways, regardless of what the ol’ milestone chart says.

You can say I overreacted about a few things. Okay, everything.

When Reid joined the family two years later, I was ready for him. And I was ready to monitor his progress, trust my intuition and go on with my day. You see, I’m not suggesting we stop measuring milestones completely, because it’s very important to have a sense of typical child development, especially if it’s your first little one. But please, don’t be so hard on yourself – or your baby – if you find gray areas amongst the black and white.

(P.S. Reid – can you go back to being 8 days old, if only for a moment? It’s hard to believe that daddy could once hold you in his hands. I miss those fresh baby days. Photography: Sharon Navarro Photography.)

Of course, if you still find yourself overreacting to the different milestones, here’s a little help:

1. Back away from the computer. Frantically searching the Internet based on fear is the path to the dark side.

2. Stop comparing your baby to others. “There is no indication that minor variations in the achievement of milestones have any relationship to later abilities or disabilities.” (Parenting Magazine).

3. Seek help from your pediatrician if you need reassurance. But you’ll know when there’s something to be concerned about. Trust me.

This year, I wish you and your family a multitude of happy milestones, and less overreacting!

You too can share your “OVER” moments by uploading a photo and caption during Fisher-Price’s A Million Moments of Joy campaign. Parents who share their moments will be entered for a chance to win a weekly prize packs (valued at ~$200), including:

1. My Little Snugabunny Bouncer ($89.99 CAD)
2. Laugh & Learn Dance & Play Puppy ($59.99 CAD)
3. Ocean Wonders Aquarium ($54.99 CAD)

The contest will run from March 5, 2013 to April 19th, 2013. Tell me, what is your “OVER” moment this month?

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program and I receive perks as part of my affiliation. 
The opinions on this blog are my own.

Last month, I shared a teaser of Fisher-Price’s NEW A Million Moments of Joy campaign with my post entitled OVERconfident. In it, I chronicled those foolish little assumptions that new moms often make – and invited readers to share their own “OVER” moments.

This month, my inspiration comes from a Facebook photo that I posted on Sunday morning.

Caption: Just had the most glorious sleep! Alone in my big bed; no little feet kicking my ribs, no tiny hands on my face. Today is dedicated to my awesome husband, whose current sleeping arrangement is this:

As only parents will tell you – OVERnight takes on a whole new meaning once you’ve had children. OVERnight can include screams, cries and padded feet across the hallway. Wet beds, dry coughs and hollers of I’m thirsty! Tooth fairies, closet monsters and kicks in the back while you co-sleep. Midnight feedings, bedtime stories and resisting the urge to take their temperature just one more time.

And once in a blue moon, on nights like the one above, OVERnight means a restful sleep. (For me, anyways.)

You too can share your “OVER” moments by uploading a photo and caption during Fisher-Price’s A Million Moments of Joy campaign. Parents who share their moments will be entered for a chance to win a weekly prize packs (valued at ~$200), including:

1. My Little Snugabunny Bouncer ($89.99 CAD)
2. Laugh & Learn Dance & Play Puppy ($59.99 CAD)
3. Ocean Wonders Aquarium ($54.99 CAD)

The contest will run from March 5, 2013 to April 19th, 2013. Tell me, what is your “OVER” moment this month?

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program and I receive perks as part of my affiliation. 
The opinions on this blog are my own.

One of my pet peeves, as a parent of young children, is bedtime.

(Whoa! That just came out WAY too nicely. Let me try again, this time keeping it real.)

I freaking hate bedtime.

The thing about my boys is that they literally have no use for slumber. In fact, they would much rather fall asleep at 10:45pm – standing up – wearing a shirt and jeans, instead of snuggling into warm pajamas at a decent hour, allowing mommy to tuck them into bed and sing a sweet lullaby.

To say it’s a struggle is an understatement.

We even moved both boys into the same bedroom, because I simply had enough of trying to keep them from wandering into each other’s rooms well after lights out. Nowadays, I begin the bedtime rituals, kiss them both goodnight, and pretend I don’t hear the giggling, padded footsteps around their room, and the telltale sound of markers colouring paper. Usually, I’ll find one or the other asleep on the floor (see: fall asleep standing up) or curled in a ball on the bed. It’s just the best I can do and I’m totally cool with that.

However, bedtime just got a little easier thanks to the NEW Thomas & Friends Personalized and Interactive Thomas E-Story.  You and your little ones will be able to add details such as your child’s name and a name of a family member or a friend – and a personalized story will be created just for them. My boys love being part of the story, and since Ryder is old enough now to recognize his name, he truly believes the tale was written just for him!

For bedtime reading you’ll want to load the E-Story on a tablet, as there are interactive features which allow the child to connect with Thomas and his friends. And there’s no fancy registration or sign-up involved; simply input your desired name and start reading. Bonus: each month, Thomas will launch a new E-Story! So you’ll always have new tales to share with the kiddos, and less repetition = happy storyteller. At the moment, you can choose from “A World of Imagination” or “Let it Snow”.

(On a related note, let’s welcome Thomas & Friends to Mattel. The well-loved company has officially acquired the Thomas brand – which of course, means tons of innovative and imaginative products are on the way, I’m sure!)

So, although bedtimes are still a struggle, the new interactive Thomas E-Story has made it a little easier – my boys willingly climb into bed to hear the story. Now, I just have to figure out how I can get them to stay there.

Click here to visit the Thomas & Friends Personalized and Interactive Thomas E-Story.

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program and I receive special perks for my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

That’s me on April 13th, 2008.
The photo was taken on my 30th birthday!
There I was, 34 weeks pregnant…
…rocking pink David Dixon high heels.

It was my baby shower, and I was on top of the world.

I was OVERconfident.

The baby would arrive shortly, I knew.
No need for formula, I’d be breastfeeding, of course!
Maternity clothes? Pu-lease.
I’ll have my pre-baby body back in weeks. If not DAYS.
And what sleepless nights?
Baby would surely be a perfect, slumbering angel.

Reality check.

I gave up on breastfeeding after 3 days.
I wore my maternity jeans until Ryder was 10 months old.
I haven’t enjoyed an uninterrupted night of sleep since.

Truth is, before I was a mom, I was OVERconfident in my abilities to raise a child. Deluded into thinking that I’d naturally be the best mother in the world, I realized in a hurry that nothing comes naturally – unless you counted my penchant for breaking down into uncontrollable sobs.

Every day or so.

And through my experiences I can offer this shard of wisdom to first time moms-to-be: Having a baby will rip away every confidence, every ounce of pride, every moment of boastful foolishness. Having a baby makes you vulnerable. It’s the opposite of confidence; it’s a badge of uncertainty that will follow every fever, every missed curfew, every time your child happily skips away from you. Before I had a baby I was recklessly arrogant in my parenting abilities.

Now, I know better.

Next month, Fisher-Price will be launching their OVERjoyed campaign – a program which celebrates the Real Joys of Motherhood. The moments where we as mothers are OVERjoyed, but also those moments when we are OVERwhelmed, OVERhugged, OVERdue, OVERtired and of course OVERstimulated! (And all those other OVER… moments.)

The campaign will consist of mothers submitting photos with a one-line caption to really bring the photo to life. These images will be on the FisherPriceMoms.ca website, where moms can come to celebrate, commiserate, remember and support by looking through (and adding their own!) photos of the good, the bad, and most importantly, the REAL moments of motherhood that we’re all experiencing.

So, we can all have a laugh, a cry, and a sigh of relief knowing that we’re all there, together.

What are some of the OVER… moments that you’ve experienced as a mother?

I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Ambassador program with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

When I first met my baby, my sweet little Reid, I fell hard – and fast.

Perhaps it’s because he was so tiny – at 6 lbs, he was on the lighter side for a full-term (40 weeks) baby. Or maybe it’s because he was just such a good little boy: he latched on with practically no assistance from me (I was sleeping off the c-section drugs, and woke to find a little baby breastfeeding while the nurse held him to my bosom. Talk about a self-starter!). Could it be because he slept through the night with no fuss at 4 weeks? That might be it.

But to tell the truth, the REAL reason I fell completely, head over heels for my baby boy? It’s because that first day, when he opened his big, shiny eyes and stared at me with love and wonder, I said to my husband,

“He looks like E.T.”

And so I made a vow then and there to protect my little alien child, whose future would surely be filled with requests to phone home and make bicycles fly.

Of course, Reid outgrew his awkward little extra terrestrial phase, and turned out to be a very cute little dude. Seriously, he’s one of those kids that all strangers smile at – because they really can’t help it. He’s just got that face. And I’m proud to declare that he’s my Mini-Me! Yup, we call him Little Leno (pronounced Lee-no) around here, cause he’s the spitting image of his mama. Lena and Leno, we make a great combination.

Of course, he did get some traits from his daddy – namely, his coordination. Let’s just say that if I go through the day without tripping over my own feet, it’s a good one. I’m sure you’ve seen me post videos of my budding Baryshnikov here and here – trust me, he gets it from his father.

Speaking of his father, yeah, that’s him <<- busting a move on the dance floor at a party. My husband has been cultivating Reid’s love of dance ever since he first expressed the tiniest interest – shaking his little bon bon to the oh-so-catchy (shoot me now) tunes of Treehouse TV. It’s my husband who takes him to toddler dance class every Saturday morning at the ungodly hour of 8:00am, guiding him through the moves and perfecting his routine.

(Thankfully, Reid is too young to care that he is the only boy in the class; in a sea of tutus, I always make sure to dress him in Star Wars or monster machine-inspired tops.)

In fact, if there’s one milestone we’re looking forward to this year – beyond the normal goodies that a 3-year-old picks up, like language, potty independence and fine motor skills – it’s his continued sense of rhythm and freedom within dance.

So why is dance so good for children? Well, because dance classes are structured to help children continue to progress and build upon what they have previously learned, they are educational in nature and provide ample opportunity to develop a variety of both motor and mental skills. The learning environment of dance is key here.

Plus, in addition to the fact that dancing is an excellent form of exercise and all-around fitness, when it comes to the all-important fun factor, dance for kids is a very fun activity, plain and simple. (And having  fun is always a good thing!) Finally, did you know that dance and music has been shown to improve the ability to learn? It’s true – kids who participate in activities like dance are apt to do better in school. (Source) (more…)

Picture it: There are 5 shopping days left until Christmas. And, you’ve got a few toddlers left on your shopping list. Now you could run to the stores and just pull toys off the shelf – or Google “Top Toys 2012″ until you find a doable option. But in the end, chances are you’ll be no closer to making a decision on that perfect gift. Well, I’m here to help.

(Technically, my assistance here today is only relevant for those shopping for toddler boys. Because really, that’s all I know. But don’t fear! Simply head on over to the Fisher-Price Moms website, where you’ll find top picks for boys and girls of all ages from my fellow Play Ambassadors.)

So what do I recommend this Christmas? Easy peasy – let’s just revisit some of Ryder and Reid’s favourite Fisher-Price toys from 2012! (Clicking on the links below will take you to my full review – you’re welcome!)

Little People Wheelies Stand ’n Play Rampway - $45.00

Looking for a “wheelie” fun way to play with Little People Wheelies? On the Stand ’n Play Rampway, they zip and zoom up and down and all around! It’s over two feet tall, so the “wheelies” really zoom down each of the two spiral ramps. Plenty of lights and sounds as kids “drive” around, with a mechanic’s lift, a place to fill ’er up, a sign that spins when a car drives through and more!

(more…)

Okay, so you’ve got a few toddlers to shop for this holiday season. You know – those little people who aren’t quite old enough to drum up a wish list, but are way past the “Oooh, it’s shiny!” infant phase. They’re about 2-to-5 years old and they like their cars and their dolls and that’s about all you know. Oh, you don’t have kids? No worries. You’re exactly the demographic I’m looking for.

Here’s my UnParent Guide to Shopping for Toddlers. For every aunt, uncle, Godparent or family friend who will be hitting the toy stores this Christmas, I’d like you to stop and take a peek at the following awesome information which is sure to help you find the perfect gift. Bonus: All the toys featured today are Fisher-Price, a brand that is universally loved by every child in the, um, universe.

So here’s the deal. In 2013 and beyond, the icons below will be displayed on all Fisher-Price packaging, so that parents can fully understand how that product can aid the individual areas of growth for their child. Think it’s beyond spectacular? I agree!

Now listen up gift-givers: I’ve taken much care to find a few examples of the perfect toddler gifts based on the Elements of Enrichment above. All you have to do is place a phone call to the parents, asking which skill they’d like to see developed. Does the child have trouble sharing with siblings? No problem – there’s a toy for that. Need to work on his/her gross motor skills? It’s almost too easy. Take my suggestions below – and Happy Shopping! (more…)

I very seldom hand over the reigns to my blog, but when my 4-year-old son Ryder requested to guest blog on my site, I just couldn’t resist. Long time readers will remember the last time he did so – over two years ago – with his piece, “Big Brother Blues“. This time, the subject matter is much more cheery: our recent adventure with Fisher-Price aboard the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas.

Of course, he may have employed a ghost writer to help just a little – but I promise, the opinions are all his own. And fair warning – it’s a lengthy, detailed account of his entire time on the cruise ship – but if you’re looking to take a family vacation in the near future, you really should read what he has to say. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back and see how Royal Caribbean makes family travel a breeze. Take it away Ryder!

Hello Readers! It’s Ryder again, Lena’s boy. Two weeks ago, my mom – along with her fellow #FisherPriceMoms – took our family on a great big cruise ship. In fact, it was the biggest cruise ship in the entire world! At first I was scared because it meant leaving home for one full week, and then I was sad because I realized that I had to miss school (which I’ve recently come to love). But when we walked onto the ship, it was like I was entering another world. My Mommy kept using the word “majestic” over and over, and my Daddy said “freaking huge” a lot. To me, it was simply my sweet little dreams come to life.

Our first night there, we had a chance to meet all the other families and children who would be traveling with us. My Mommy calls these women #FisherPriceMoms, and they’re just the nicest Moms ever. And, they had a few pretty cute daughters, if you know what I mean…. but more on that later. Our first night was simply magical, because Mommy and Daddy were so at peace. Long after Reid fell asleep, I stayed awake and peeked at them through lidded lashes. They sat on the balcony, quietly talking while Mommy’s hair swayed in the breeze. I’ve never seen her so restful in the evening, and Daddy was grinning from ear to ear. I knew it would be a wonderful trip. (more…)

Hello Readers! Well, I’m back. And it’s COLD. And RAINY. And WINDY. And WET.

Actually, it’s pretty much the polar opposite of the weather I’ve been enjoying for the past week. Sigh.

However, I’m happy to be home. I’m happy to sleep in my own bed, enjoy the comfort of my pjs and fuzzy robe, and most of all – eat plain old Cheerios for breakfast. I need a break from indulgent food! Yup, it’s salads and toast for me for the next, I don’t know, month or so :)

Although I will be catching up today (Anyone want to tackle my inbox? Anyone?) I thought I’d just pop in and say hello! I’ll be back at it tomorrow, with – you guessed it  - tons of stories about our cruise and the awesome memories we made.

In the meantime, I’d love to leave you with a few pictures from the Allure of the Seas Carousel. It’s located on the Deck 6 Boardwalk, where they’ve recreated the best of Coney Island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. The photos are taken at night, and that’s only relevant because the boys made us take them to the carousel EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT.

(Or, as Ryder called it, the Merry-Grow-On.)

Enjoy your week!

… and then boarding a cruise ship. With my family. Including my toddlers. Whom I’ve NEVER traveled with before.

Oh. My. GAWD.

As you know, part of my job as a blogger is to attend relevant press events, trips and conferences. Sometimes, it’s the launch of a new product; sometimes, it’s a little bit of content inspiration that allows me to publish a better post. In the end, the information often helps me share with my readers in new and interesting ways.

This time, it’s a real-life example of how to make the best of a family vacation – courtesy of Fisher-Price – on a 7-day, Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Cruise of the Western Caribbean.

Okay, first the obvious – I am so fortunate to have been extended this opportunity, and my family, along with the families of #FisherPriceMoms Play Ambassadors from Canada and the US, are thankful to Fisher-Price for arranging one of the most majestic press adventures ever. Truly, one of those moments where you feel rewarded for your efforts and blessed at the same time.

Second, the not-so-obvious – I am FREAKING OUT. My kids have never been on an airplane, much less a 17-deck ship. Combining the two activities together? Heart palpitations over here. Plus, being away from the comforts of home for over a week is also a little intimidating – believe it or not, the last time I left my house for more than 7 days was over 10 years ago!

And so I’ve done my best to consult packing lists, have made mental notes of the little things that my boys can’t do without (like Ryder’s blankie and Reid’s Little People) and I’ve asked friends and family who’ve traveled with kids to share their “must-haves”.

(So far, Children’s Gravol, Goldfish Crackers and LOTS of gummy treats tend to top the lists.) (more…)

It happens a lot when children are young. Often, it brings a smile to your face and warms your heart. And, if you happen to catch it, it’s the BEST THING EVER.

It’s that moment of pure joy when a child discovers a toy for the very first time.

Oh yeah – it’s THAT moment right there ->->->

Then, it’s the little moments of anticipation while the toy is unpacked. It’s the squeals of delight and laughter and the rapid succession of “Thank you Mommy!”s and flying kisses.

We surprised Ryder and Reid with the Fisher-Price Imaginext Eagle Talon Castle – just one of the very awesome toys from our latest press drop. Ryder is just a sweet, innocent little guy and he never really believes that something is for him unless we assure him that it’s his to play with and keep. The picture on the right was taken just seconds after I placed the box in front of him.

“Who’s this for?” he asked.
“It’s for Ryder and Reid!” I replied.
“For me?!! Promise me Mommy?”
“I promise!”
“I’m much too happy!” he exclaimed.

Fun times ensued, and it was such a joy to see him and his little brother “decode” the toy – that is, figure out where all the pieces go, understand the juxtaposition between the guards and the castle, and of course, make a few rowdy canon noises. BOOM! (more…)

There comes a day when your little one will take your fun away.

(Yes, I know the above statement can be in reference to one of the many time-draining, life-zapping scenarios that children throw at us. Please, don’t let me get started.)

However, in this particular instance, I’m talking about the day that your child picks out a toy for him/herself. At some point, he’ll point to it on a shelf, in a magazine, on the television, etc… and will ask, “Please, can I have this?” And, all those times that you visited your local toy store, carefully picked out a fun, educational toy and watched the joy spread across his face as you presented it… will be nothing but a distant memory. Because now he knows exactly what he wants and wants ONLY that one particular toy – and does not suffer fools gladly.

I was this child. For the longest time, I was content to play with almost anything I received, until I discovered Barbie dolls. Sure, building blocks and water colour paints were fun, but at the tender age of four, I wanted a Golden Dream Barbie. Badly. 

I’m not quite sure if Golden Dream Barbie was age appropriate at the time I lusted after her; I’m not even sure what my parents thought of my incessant pleading and begging for a doll that frankly, was quite gaudy compared to the more illustrious Peaches ‘n Cream (which would eventually turn out to be my favourite) and Magic Moves (which I’d later campaign for too). But from that moment on, I became the child that wanted to pick out her own toys, and carefully prepared Christmas and birthday wish lists that were to be followed to a tee.

(My parents threw in the towel surprisingly quickly and presented me with cash at every occasion from there on in. Totally took their fun away, however, #winning)

I suppose the question is – who drives the purchase of toys in your household? Do you leave it up to your children to decide, or do you stick to your instincts and buy the toys that you think will be the most beneficial to them? (Maybe it’s a little of both.) However, if you do decide to take pointers from your kids, at what age do you let them influence – or dictate – your purchase decisions? (more…)