It's Debate Time. This month's Blog Exchange has an interesting twist. Instead of exchanging posts, this month we are debating each other. My partner is the lovely Allison, who over the past year has become an email friend. But, I refuse to allow our friendship color my debate. So, Allison, it's on.
Our topic, character toys. Allison is very anti allowing her children (two identical twin boys and a girl, she is all kinds of brave), play with character toys. And I represent the pro side. But, I more represent the huh side, because I just don't get the con.
I think Allison would argue that character toys do not allow children to be creative. I have seen the exact opposite with Michael. Dora becomes a pirate with the Backyardigans, Elmo is sometimes a member of the band. Michael has plenty of character and non character toys. As long as I don't tell him Elmo has to be Elmo, he is just another one of the toys.
How does she handle Christmas? Or Birthday presents? Does she take the toys away after they have been given to the children? Do all family and friends know no character toys? As I said, I just don't get it.
I feel like there is so many things to argue about with Michael . No, he can't watch TV, no he can't have a cookie, no he can't cross the street without holding my hand. But he can play with Cookie Monster and Big Bird.
To this day, I remember being devastated because I was not allowed to have the easy bank oven, Snoopy snow cone maker, or Barbie head that you put make up on because they made a mess. My mom took a hard line approach to messy toys. I really want Michael to remember more than he was not allowed to have Blue. It's just not that important to me. But, that's the thing about parenting, we all get to make our own decisions.
Now, go tell Allison I won the debate!
Get Your Dukes Up!
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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
Hmmmmmm….. not sure you won darling. I am a bit of a give some facts to back up your claims kinda a gal and you don’t back up your claim that it is better to give the toys in the long run. Isn’t that what a lawyer is suppose to do?
And which one of us has her JD? Not me!!
Although, as I’ve been grumbling in emails to you, I would’ve preferred to host your piece this month. It doesn’t really feel like an exchange.
Hmmmmmm….. not sure you won darling. I am a bit of a give some facts to back up your claims kinda a gal and you don’t back up your claim that it is better to give the toys in the long run. Isn’t that what a lawyer is suppose to do?
And which one of us has her JD? Not me!!
Although, as I’ve been grumbling in emails to you, I would’ve preferred to host your piece this month. It doesn’t really feel like an exchange.
Hmmmmmm….. not sure you won darling. I am a bit of a give some facts to back up your claims kinda a gal and you don’t back up your claim that it is better to give the toys in the long run. Isn’t that what a lawyer is suppose to do?
And which one of us has her JD? Not me!!
Although, as I’ve been grumbling in emails to you, I would’ve preferred to host your piece this month. It doesn’t really feel like an exchange.
Hmmmmmm….. not sure you won darling. I am a bit of a give some facts to back up your claims kinda a gal and you don’t back up your claim that it is better to give the toys in the long run. Isn’t that what a lawyer is suppose to do?
And which one of us has her JD? Not me!!
Although, as I’ve been grumbling in emails to you, I would’ve preferred to host your piece this month. It doesn’t really feel like an exchange.
I sort of get the no characters thing but really only for the ones I find irritating. Which is more about me and less about Boogie’s creativity.
Oh man, I remember having all those toys, the oven, the snow cone maker and the barbie head. They were so fun! Especially the snow cone thing. I guess as a parent I can get the not wanting things to be messy thing but I don’t think I’ll deprive Boog of messy toys because of it. That is more my husband’s style (I’ve seen him wipe his face between bites when feeding him!)
I’m more of the “please don’t give me loud, noise-making, can’t be turned down, battery operated toys” lets face it, these things really are designed to drive parents crazy.
I sort of get the no characters thing but really only for the ones I find irritating. Which is more about me and less about Boogie’s creativity.
Oh man, I remember having all those toys, the oven, the snow cone maker and the barbie head. They were so fun! Especially the snow cone thing. I guess as a parent I can get the not wanting things to be messy thing but I don’t think I’ll deprive Boog of messy toys because of it. That is more my husband’s style (I’ve seen him wipe his face between bites when feeding him!)
I’m more of the “please don’t give me loud, noise-making, can’t be turned down, battery operated toys” lets face it, these things really are designed to drive parents crazy.
I sort of get the no characters thing but really only for the ones I find irritating. Which is more about me and less about Boogie’s creativity.
Oh man, I remember having all those toys, the oven, the snow cone maker and the barbie head. They were so fun! Especially the snow cone thing. I guess as a parent I can get the not wanting things to be messy thing but I don’t think I’ll deprive Boog of messy toys because of it. That is more my husband’s style (I’ve seen him wipe his face between bites when feeding him!)
I’m more of the “please don’t give me loud, noise-making, can’t be turned down, battery operated toys” lets face it, these things really are designed to drive parents crazy.
I sort of get the no characters thing but really only for the ones I find irritating. Which is more about me and less about Boogie’s creativity.
Oh man, I remember having all those toys, the oven, the snow cone maker and the barbie head. They were so fun! Especially the snow cone thing. I guess as a parent I can get the not wanting things to be messy thing but I don’t think I’ll deprive Boog of messy toys because of it. That is more my husband’s style (I’ve seen him wipe his face between bites when feeding him!)
I’m more of the “please don’t give me loud, noise-making, can’t be turned down, battery operated toys” lets face it, these things really are designed to drive parents crazy.
I’m kind of at a loss on this one. I loved my Fozzie Bear, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and Jemima Puddleduck. What about the Velveteen Rabbit? Can you have character toys that are associated with positive things (Fetch)? I think there is a middle ground here.
And yes, my mom gave me Barbie with the pink convertible and ski lodge – but she wouldn’t give my sister one. I think she was strongly cofident that my brain wouldn’t be warped – I was too much of a tomboy.
I’m kind of at a loss on this one. I loved my Fozzie Bear, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and Jemima Puddleduck. What about the Velveteen Rabbit? Can you have character toys that are associated with positive things (Fetch)? I think there is a middle ground here.
And yes, my mom gave me Barbie with the pink convertible and ski lodge – but she wouldn’t give my sister one. I think she was strongly cofident that my brain wouldn’t be warped – I was too much of a tomboy.
I’m kind of at a loss on this one. I loved my Fozzie Bear, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and Jemima Puddleduck. What about the Velveteen Rabbit? Can you have character toys that are associated with positive things (Fetch)? I think there is a middle ground here.
And yes, my mom gave me Barbie with the pink convertible and ski lodge – but she wouldn’t give my sister one. I think she was strongly cofident that my brain wouldn’t be warped – I was too much of a tomboy.
I’m kind of at a loss on this one. I loved my Fozzie Bear, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, and Jemima Puddleduck. What about the Velveteen Rabbit? Can you have character toys that are associated with positive things (Fetch)? I think there is a middle ground here.
And yes, my mom gave me Barbie with the pink convertible and ski lodge – but she wouldn’t give my sister one. I think she was strongly cofident that my brain wouldn’t be warped – I was too much of a tomboy.
I like the “selective characters” approach myself. We have Backyardigans up the wazoo (once almost literally, but I digress) but when McDonald’s was giving out those trashy My Scene dolls we didn’t get any Happy Meals. So I totally think you won because after all, I agree with you.
And I agree with soccer mom about the weirdness of not hosting each other this month.
I like the “selective characters” approach myself. We have Backyardigans up the wazoo (once almost literally, but I digress) but when McDonald’s was giving out those trashy My Scene dolls we didn’t get any Happy Meals. So I totally think you won because after all, I agree with you.
And I agree with soccer mom about the weirdness of not hosting each other this month.
I like the “selective characters” approach myself. We have Backyardigans up the wazoo (once almost literally, but I digress) but when McDonald’s was giving out those trashy My Scene dolls we didn’t get any Happy Meals. So I totally think you won because after all, I agree with you.
And I agree with soccer mom about the weirdness of not hosting each other this month.
I like the “selective characters” approach myself. We have Backyardigans up the wazoo (once almost literally, but I digress) but when McDonald’s was giving out those trashy My Scene dolls we didn’t get any Happy Meals. So I totally think you won because after all, I agree with you.
And I agree with soccer mom about the weirdness of not hosting each other this month.
For the most part, I avoid character toys. If only because I’d rather him play with the ones from his favorite shows, which they don’t seem to make toys for.
I think worrying about what he didn’t get could be solved by not going to toy stores. The only thing I can remember wishing I had but didn’t was Legos, and that was cause my brother had them. I did whatever I did with my few toys and that was it. We didn’t have enough money to drop into the toy store, like ever.
Apparently I’m in the middle on this debate too. It’s not something I’ve really given much thought to!
For the most part, I avoid character toys. If only because I’d rather him play with the ones from his favorite shows, which they don’t seem to make toys for.
I think worrying about what he didn’t get could be solved by not going to toy stores. The only thing I can remember wishing I had but didn’t was Legos, and that was cause my brother had them. I did whatever I did with my few toys and that was it. We didn’t have enough money to drop into the toy store, like ever.
Apparently I’m in the middle on this debate too. It’s not something I’ve really given much thought to!
For the most part, I avoid character toys. If only because I’d rather him play with the ones from his favorite shows, which they don’t seem to make toys for.
I think worrying about what he didn’t get could be solved by not going to toy stores. The only thing I can remember wishing I had but didn’t was Legos, and that was cause my brother had them. I did whatever I did with my few toys and that was it. We didn’t have enough money to drop into the toy store, like ever.
Apparently I’m in the middle on this debate too. It’s not something I’ve really given much thought to!
For the most part, I avoid character toys. If only because I’d rather him play with the ones from his favorite shows, which they don’t seem to make toys for.
I think worrying about what he didn’t get could be solved by not going to toy stores. The only thing I can remember wishing I had but didn’t was Legos, and that was cause my brother had them. I did whatever I did with my few toys and that was it. We didn’t have enough money to drop into the toy store, like ever.
Apparently I’m in the middle on this debate too. It’s not something I’ve really given much thought to!
I’m with Impostor Mom in that I don’t like loud toys. Toys in our house have one battery life unless they’re really special. I like that my older son likes Elmo. Maybe that sounds weird. I like that my son has interests that are his own and one of them is Elmo. You don’t see me wearing an Elmo shirt, but he has one and he loves talking about it. I love the enthusiasm. He also has a ton of toys that aren’t character related. However, all of his toys are insanely marketed through commercials, catalogs, enticing displays at the stores etc.
I’m with Impostor Mom in that I don’t like loud toys. Toys in our house have one battery life unless they’re really special. I like that my older son likes Elmo. Maybe that sounds weird. I like that my son has interests that are his own and one of them is Elmo. You don’t see me wearing an Elmo shirt, but he has one and he loves talking about it. I love the enthusiasm. He also has a ton of toys that aren’t character related. However, all of his toys are insanely marketed through commercials, catalogs, enticing displays at the stores etc.
I’m with Impostor Mom in that I don’t like loud toys. Toys in our house have one battery life unless they’re really special. I like that my older son likes Elmo. Maybe that sounds weird. I like that my son has interests that are his own and one of them is Elmo. You don’t see me wearing an Elmo shirt, but he has one and he loves talking about it. I love the enthusiasm. He also has a ton of toys that aren’t character related. However, all of his toys are insanely marketed through commercials, catalogs, enticing displays at the stores etc.
I’m with Impostor Mom in that I don’t like loud toys. Toys in our house have one battery life unless they’re really special. I like that my older son likes Elmo. Maybe that sounds weird. I like that my son has interests that are his own and one of them is Elmo. You don’t see me wearing an Elmo shirt, but he has one and he loves talking about it. I love the enthusiasm. He also has a ton of toys that aren’t character related. However, all of his toys are insanely marketed through commercials, catalogs, enticing displays at the stores etc.
hehe. I like best the announcement that you won the debate Jodi. That’s telling ‘em!
Point to counterpoint I think I am exactly in the middle on this particular issue. Rather it may be that having no real position on it made my position clear by default. My kids have character toys, and my kids know how to play without a manufactured set of playthings as well. I would have to say I prefer the latter to the former personally, but I hold no punitive stance for having a Rockin’ Elmo in the house. I will however, not buy new batteries for such a thing…
hehe. I like best the announcement that you won the debate Jodi. That’s telling ‘em!
Point to counterpoint I think I am exactly in the middle on this particular issue. Rather it may be that having no real position on it made my position clear by default. My kids have character toys, and my kids know how to play without a manufactured set of playthings as well. I would have to say I prefer the latter to the former personally, but I hold no punitive stance for having a Rockin’ Elmo in the house. I will however, not buy new batteries for such a thing…
hehe. I like best the announcement that you won the debate Jodi. That’s telling ‘em!
Point to counterpoint I think I am exactly in the middle on this particular issue. Rather it may be that having no real position on it made my position clear by default. My kids have character toys, and my kids know how to play without a manufactured set of playthings as well. I would have to say I prefer the latter to the former personally, but I hold no punitive stance for having a Rockin’ Elmo in the house. I will however, not buy new batteries for such a thing…
hehe. I like best the announcement that you won the debate Jodi. That’s telling ‘em!
Point to counterpoint I think I am exactly in the middle on this particular issue. Rather it may be that having no real position on it made my position clear by default. My kids have character toys, and my kids know how to play without a manufactured set of playthings as well. I would have to say I prefer the latter to the former personally, but I hold no punitive stance for having a Rockin’ Elmo in the house. I will however, not buy new batteries for such a thing…
I like imagination. This is what I said to Allison, too. I don’t hate character toys, but I DO hate kids getting into “branding” at young ages. I just think our whole society is too much into consumerism and I see the whole character thing as a way to train little minds to think shopping! shopping! shopping!
I like imagination. This is what I said to Allison, too. I don’t hate character toys, but I DO hate kids getting into “branding” at young ages. I just think our whole society is too much into consumerism and I see the whole character thing as a way to train little minds to think shopping! shopping! shopping!
I like imagination. This is what I said to Allison, too. I don’t hate character toys, but I DO hate kids getting into “branding” at young ages. I just think our whole society is too much into consumerism and I see the whole character thing as a way to train little minds to think shopping! shopping! shopping!
I like imagination. This is what I said to Allison, too. I don’t hate character toys, but I DO hate kids getting into “branding” at young ages. I just think our whole society is too much into consumerism and I see the whole character thing as a way to train little minds to think shopping! shopping! shopping!