My main desire for all things that a person encounters in childhood, is that they are loved. I am really horrified at the idea that a kid is surrounded by objects that are of a particular brand, and not toys that the child falls in love with and develops long lasting and rewarding relationship with on his(her) own.
For example, as much as I enjoyed certain Disney cartoons when I was a kid myself, I find the whole Princesses thing absolutely revolting, on every conceivable level, as well as Disney bastardization of wonderful, and wonderfully terrifying fairy tales that have existed in the world for hundreds of years. Same with any "line" of plastic soulless dolls and toys, including American Girl, and any other thing that was commercially developed and marketed. I think that toys that are meant to be loved have to be slightly odd, and there is no point in toys, unless they are truly loved. My hope is that we'll be able to limit the number of "toy objects" to just a few very meaningful things at first, and obviously I don't plan to interfere in the choosing of those things once my kid is old enough to have her own opinions.
I agree with you, but you are thinking a little ahead of yourself. At first, your life will probably be made easier with some devices. Yes, they are branded and look stupid, but the right bouncer or swing will make the difference between a tantrum and sleep. My friend got this minimalist swing that matched her beige interior and her kid hated it, but when I brought over our bright blue Fisher Price it went over much better. And you might also want to check out this book, some friends of mine who are mothers of girls found it helpful.
oh, don't get me wrong - I have no problem with "devices" - especially not the ones that make life easier!And I don't have any issue with "brands" at all. I have a problem with TOYS that are made to be "desired" but not "loved".
While I understand that that comes once a child is somewhat older, I think that exposing a child to things that are good and beautiful and kind and clever from birth makes a huge difference.
That has been my experience watching the parents around me who I consider to be my "parenting role models" and that's what I am sticking to...
For example, as much as I enjoyed certain Disney cartoons when I was a kid myself, I find the whole Princesses thing absolutely revolting, on every conceivable level, as well as Disney bastardization of wonderful, and wonderfully terrifying fairy tales that have existed in the world for hundreds of years. Same with any "line" of plastic soulless dolls and toys, including American Girl, and any other thing that was commercially developed and marketed. I think that toys that are meant to be loved have to be slightly odd, and there is no point in toys, unless they are truly loved. My hope is that we'll be able to limit the number of "toy objects" to just a few very meaningful things at first, and obviously I don't plan to interfere in the choosing of those things once my kid is old enough to have her own opinions.
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While I understand that that comes once a child is somewhat older, I think that exposing a child to things that are good and beautiful and kind and clever from birth makes a huge difference.
That has been my experience watching the parents around me who I consider to be my "parenting role models" and that's what I am sticking to...
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