toys, the outside world and automobiles
Jul. 14th, 2010 10:28 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smittenbyuAs I was treading along on the treadmill, I noticed a squirrel watching me. It sat itself in the funniest of positions - it was hugging the branch rather than standing/sitting on it and taking a look. Every now and then it would change its position. It was watching ever so intently - probably wondering why I wouldn't just walk outside.
Or it was starting at its own reflection. One vain little squirrel. I was thinking this is when one would flick open their camera phones and snap a photo, which reminded me my phone* does have a camera in it. But alas the lights from inside reflected back and I couldn't get a snap. Plus I was there for exercise not for a photography session!
And there I got thinking this is my interaction with the outside world today! sigh...
I was also thinking how dependent we are on automobiles in this country. I realised I can't just hop in and ride in a friend's car without going to our own, grabbing the carseat base, installing it in friend's car and then go. sigh.
And I swear the toy industry and batteries companies have some sort of mutual agreement; that every toy made should have some sort of option to play some music, sounds, etc. that requires a battery. Sometimes kids these days are overstimulated with all these. Toys are supposed to encourage creativity but if the toy comes with all the bells and whistles, what creativity is left for the child to try out?
For a long time I loved lego sets for this reason. You just have blocks of different shapes and you could make whatever you mind imagines. Now, you get pre-packed ideas. Of course, there's still the option of getting just the blocks. But which would the kid pick if given the choice? sigh...
We haven't bought many toys for HungryLion - she is too young. But it's a scary world of toys!
* I had brought along the phone in case mom needed me back to take care of HungryLion
Or it was starting at its own reflection. One vain little squirrel. I was thinking this is when one would flick open their camera phones and snap a photo, which reminded me my phone* does have a camera in it. But alas the lights from inside reflected back and I couldn't get a snap. Plus I was there for exercise not for a photography session!
And there I got thinking this is my interaction with the outside world today! sigh...
I was also thinking how dependent we are on automobiles in this country. I realised I can't just hop in and ride in a friend's car without going to our own, grabbing the carseat base, installing it in friend's car and then go. sigh.
And I swear the toy industry and batteries companies have some sort of mutual agreement; that every toy made should have some sort of option to play some music, sounds, etc. that requires a battery. Sometimes kids these days are overstimulated with all these. Toys are supposed to encourage creativity but if the toy comes with all the bells and whistles, what creativity is left for the child to try out?
For a long time I loved lego sets for this reason. You just have blocks of different shapes and you could make whatever you mind imagines. Now, you get pre-packed ideas. Of course, there's still the option of getting just the blocks. But which would the kid pick if given the choice? sigh...
We haven't bought many toys for HungryLion - she is too young. But it's a scary world of toys!
* I had brought along the phone in case mom needed me back to take care of HungryLion
