Art and I walked to a garage sale up the hill from our house yesterday. There were a number of toys, but I was drawn to this cookware/dishware set for $5.00 that I thought KC would enjoy playing with when she came to visit this summer.
We brought it home and was washing it when my mother came in and admonished us that we shouldn't buy KC too many toys because it would stifle her creativity. I told her that I was also a teacher (She taught 2nd grade in Japan.) and have a pretty good idea what would and would not stifle creativity. She felt the kitchen set was too realistic and would not allow KC's mind to create its own fantasies. I still disagree. I think that you have to choose a child's toys very carefully to encourage free thinking. However, it doesn't mean they have to only play with sticks and stones.
It's funny but I think she keeps forgetting that we've raised two children ourselves who are very creative, independent and adventurous. Ah well, time will tell, won't it?
I'm sure KC will love the set and create many a meal with it.
ReplyDeleteMy four year old grandson just received a tool kit. He loves to build things with his dad. He plays with the tools, but when he reaches a point where he can't make them work as he knows they should, his mind takes off, imagining wonderful things he might be building.
KC will love that cookware set. Does she also have lego? That would also feed her creative bent.
ReplyDeleteBobbie: I agree 100%. Hmmm... Maybe I should get a tool set, too. I might have a grandson someday. :-)
ReplyDeleteGigi: I had to laugh when you mentioned Legos. I was one of the teachers who kids wanted just because they knew I had this HUGE collection of Legos that I accumulated from rummage sales,etc. for 20 years. I had so much when I retired that I broke the set in two and left half for Kalani in Chicago. I have the other half here in Hawaii for Jon's children (whenever he decides to have chldren).
My kids had toy kitchen stuff along with all the other, building sets houses with barns and animals and they were very creative with all of them. I think it's allowing them the opportunities to be creative with a variety of things. Mine have all turned out quite innovative and creative, so guess those toys didn't do a lot of damage. Times are different, ways of doing things are different. Love is the most creative gift you can give a child.
ReplyDeleteHi Kay! I think I see a silver carafe or teapot in your photo. I have a feeling that KC will be hosting lots of "tea parties" for her stuffed animals this Summer!
ReplyDeleteKC's going to love that tea set/cookware set. You and Art will be her guests at many fine teas, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI think the set is just perfect for a little girl-what girl wouldn't love a set like that? My boys loved Matchbox cars and of course Ashton loved her "babies". However, they all loved reading very much, coloring, crafts, putting puzzles together and "make-believe". They had basic toys and all three are very creative. Appropriate toys lay the groundwork for much fun and imagination I feel.
ReplyDeleteSylvia: I think that if you give a child the opportunity to handle and play with things instead of sitting in front of a TV, a child can develop beautifully.
ReplyDeleteAppleDebbie: I remember KC constantly serving us tea with her tea set in Chicago when we visited last month.
Jean: We had so much imaginary tea with KC in Chicago last month that we were imaginarily tea logged.
Cheryl: I was tempted to buy some matchbox cars too because my son loved them so much. Besides, why shouldn't a girl play with cars, too? Don't you think?
Kay, I think that was a fantastic buy for $5.00!! I think KC will use her imagination plenty on congering up all the food to fill those plates!!
ReplyDeleteYou got ALL THAT for FIVE DOLLARS? Wow, I'm going shopping with you someday. That set's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has a play kitchen she loves, with the sound effects and everything, and she loves it. Before we got it, she played with *my* kitchen, and between the knives and electronics, I thought it better she had her own. I bet KC imagines up some wonderful feasts with this--congratulations on a great find!
Your mother sounds like my mother btw...loved me to bits, but couldn't help being a "Mother" all the same! I would just say "You're right, that's so true" a lot while doing exactly what I wanted instead. LOL
You got a good deal for $5, and I'll bet there are lots of creative things KC can do with those dishes.
ReplyDeleteKay, my mom has always commented when people have said boys shouldn't play with dolls, but trucks and cars, that someday that little boy might be a father. And how true is that! And I think girls should play with cars and trucks, Ashton did along with her big brothers. I used to love to sit in the sand box and play with my brother's bulldozer and diggers!
ReplyDeleteYou can never have too many toys. We just got a wii, the kids are having fun setting up their profiles. I told their dad, they are having more fun with this then they are going to have with the games!
ReplyDeleteBTW you should get her some cars, when I was a little girl, I loved my white pickup truck.
What a child could do with such a lovely gift. KC will love it and I am positive it won't stifle her creativity, with all due respect to your dear mum :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on this one Kay. I think it's a 'mother thing' to tell you that your children have too many toys = mine certainly did!
ReplyDeletejust add Play Doh and let her create away!
ReplyDeleteMy boys love playing with their kitchen set... especially the teapot and teacups! There is also a toy microwave oven and Dean could play with that for the longest time without getting bored.
ReplyDeleteWe also add a cardboard egg carton to the set, and a plastic ice cube tray, and they love sorting all the little bits in them.
Ahhh, these are precious. I hope KC enjoys them. That corning ware is too cute, looks just like the grown-up ones. And, don't tell me that is a cheese grater I see there?! Too, too real. I like it, I like it.
ReplyDeleteOH! And, a pizza cutter and a strainer?
Sherri: I know, I know. :-D I was so excited.
ReplyDeleteSusan: You're absolutely right! I've got to remember that...
"You're absolutely, right, Mom.
Gotcha, Mom.
So true, so true, Mom."
OK.... I think I'm ready now for next time. :-)
Jo: I agree. I think the set can be qutie creative.
Cheryl and Bella: You're both totally right. I'm going to go ahead and buy some cars and trucks next time I get to a garage sale.
Denise: "With all due respect..." I have to remember that. I don't know why I get my hackles up when she criticizes what I'm doing.
Amanda: Oi! You're right! I say the same thing to my daughter, too. Oh my!
Linda: I'm going to add that Play Doh... after I know she won't eat it.
Naomi: Hi there, Down Under! Your boys are absolutely beautiful! I'm so glad Satva Dina was able to spend time with them.
Dellgirl: I know, I know. Isn't it too cool? There's a potato masher, too, and a strainer, a spatula, ice cream scoop... so much fun!
That is adorable Kay. I would play with it myself. My daughter used to have little tupperware ones which cost a bit more than $5. This was a bargain. Mothers know best Kay, just ask my daughter lol. I dont think it ever changes now matter how old we get! Just smile and nod, lol!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd get her a big empty box, like a washer or dryer box, and she will have lots of fun having parties in her own little space[which she could decorate, too!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful find! Methinks interactive toys like these INSPIRE creativity in children as they play!
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,