Bratz dolls

[lizlea]

Re: Bratz dolls

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but have a birthday party and see how much stuff they end up with that you would never have bought

[bunty]

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Yep, I agree Liz. Ethan has only received one dud present - a Spiderman toy that he promptly asked to have put in the cupboard . Birthdays can be tricky.

[buttrfly]

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We dont and wont be doing Barbie or Bratz... (or a lot of other things...) for a lot of reasons, prolly not the place to go into what those reasons are tho ...

We are pretty controlling about what our children do or don't have - and to be honest, I don't think that's such a bad thing... I think you have to draw the line somewhere, it's just that everyone draws it in a different place.

I don't think I would give Brianna free reign in a toy store at age 5, I might sit with a catalogue and ask her if she'd like toy a or b... but I see heaps of things in toy stores that i think are inappropriate for my child at that age, so i just wouldn't give her the chance to ask for them (i'm also v aware that that's just my opinion and i would prolly be seen to be quite conservative and perhaps even "narrow minded" for it )

I think what Janet said is important - I hope to make sure my girls understand our reasons for things like this, the same way I think they deserve to understand our reasons for lots of other "family decisions" - I think i've said this elsewhere, but there will be many things that families do differently and I want our children to understand from a young age that what goes on in our family is not based on what others do and they should never judge another family because of what they do or don't do. OT

anyway... i think we all censor to a certain extent - and what we see as being appropriate will differ - I think i would rather err on the side of being overprotective, even if others see that as controlling.

[Eager Dad]

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I'm in a very emotional mood and I apologise for my recent posts on this thread being so self-righteous on this matter. I certainly don’t believe that dolls are the best playthings for every child by any means. My favorite toys include artistic supplies, soft toys, dress-ups and lego/blocks. These items obviously project my own learning interests more than my child's and I am totally aware of that fact.

I certainly disagree however that someone who plays with a Bratz doll is going to be walking around the shopping center in a short skirt when she becomes 12. I think it is as ridiculous as saying your daughter will grow up to be a plastic horse or a wooden train. I'd rather my child understands what a horse, train and overt sexualisation is, rather than reinforcing it as taboo.

I’m sure there will be many who disagree.

[Chrissy]

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some great food for though on this thread - Eager Dad I have enjoyed your views

I spent alot of time as a child playing with Barbie dolls (mostly Barbie and Ken alone in the dollhouse iykwim ) now THAT was roll playing.

These toys can create a dialogue between parents and children, instead of banning them or expressing my distaste I like to understand why a certain toy is a desired plaything. I have noticed doll playing in my 3 year old is alot about exploring her sexuality and I want to give her as much freedom to do that as I can. You can explore sexuality much better with a doll than a wooden puzzle IMO.

[nikkip]

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I think there are better dolls out there than Bratz/Barbie to stimulate a child's exploration of gender roles and sexuality. I think there is an over-sexualisation of children these days, as evidenced in the clothes, toys and everything marketed to them - I have no objection to her wanting to have a little of my lip gloss or makeup, but would never buy her real/play makeup until she was old enough to safely and responsibly apply it to herself (and without making a mess! I hate cleaning!). Maybe 6 to 8 years old, certainly not 3 or 4.

There have been threads about 4 year olds coming to daycare with radically dyed hair different every week or so, eyebrows waxed, makeup on, to me that's going too far, and I don't want to emphasise too much on my daughter's appearance as a means of determining her self worth, like I did. But I still tell her every day how beautiful she is, of course! Now I'm rambling and not clear headed enough to type what's buzzing in my tired ole brain...sorry...goodnight!

[emma]

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My kids have toys like barbies and bratz that they have recieved as gifts. I do pack them away in their wardrobe and leave other toys out so that it has to be an active choice to play with them. If they aren't interested in the toy, like the strange barbie dog you can dress in high heel shoes, i send it off to vinnies

I believe that the more home made, simple, natural materials are enriching based on my expereinces of what i prefer as an adult - a plastic plate to eat off or the beautiful pottery bowl my friend made - together with my reflection on the way i have seen children play. Children sensory organs are so sensitive that i think they deserve beautiful things and experiences.

Simple toys get a lot more play out of them because they can be many things. Sometimes you need your doll to be asleep, or a grandma, not a bratz doll type of person.

I wish that i did i better job in this aspect but it is a challenge in the society we live in. Plus it is a delicate balance, in not being too controlling.

[Chrissy]

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What dolls do YOU suggest Nikkip?

I let Trinity choose her own path, maybe I am different - it just feels right iykwim.

[Jilly]

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How about a feral cheryl doll?

http://www.feralcheryl.com.au

[Eager Dad]

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I’ve never seen a feral Cheryl doll before. It’s great. I want one for Christmas!!!