My mother has a photo of me from when I was about three or four years old. You can see the plastic-covered couches that were popular back in those days, especially in Latino households and throughout the Caribbean. In this photo, I am serving my abuelo his “cafe” in one of my plastic toy cups – we didn’t play “tea party” in Puerto Rico; coffee was what was served. Next to me is a Strawberry Shortcake stroller holding one of my dolls. I loved that stroller and only wish I still had it for my daughter to use now. What I remember most, though, is playing with my abuelo.
It’s interesting to see my daughter play the same types of games and even with some of the same toys I had. Like Strawberry Shortcake, so many of the toys from my childhood are back again! But, beyond the same toys making a comeback, there are games that never go out of style. You will always find little girls having tea parties. You can be sure they’ll always play pretend with their dolls and stuffed animals. The latest game my daughter plays in the mornings is to play teacher with her “classroom” full of stuffed animal students – a game I too used to play when I was little.
Through these games, we as parents are able to share more than just quality time with our children. We are sharing stories and memories of our own childhood. I think most kids enjoy hearing stories of mommy and daddy as little kids, my daughter included. In playing together and making play time family time, we’re all getting a dose of nostalgia. Most importantly, we are spending time together.
These are the moments that I am sure my daughter enjoys the most. Playing with mom and dad, hearing stories of how different, or not so different, play time was for mom and dad, and of course, creating her own memories she’ll one day share with others.
My kids enjoy hearing stories from my childhood. My nephews enjoy hearing the same stories from my brother, they call these stories, “Talkabouts”. In fact, yesterday as my 6 year-old and I were walking to McDonalds and he was complaining how far it was. I told him that his abuela did drive us places and we walked to school. He asked if we had to walk because cars were not invented then!
http://www.lifewellblended.wordpress.com
I love that! “Talkabouts” Isn’t it hilarious how they think we are SO OLD! When my daughter asked my age and I told her 30, she said “Wow!” LOL
Found you on Twitter and glad I did. This is a wonderful post connecting a parents past with the child’s present.
All my best,
Clay
Twitter: @claylauren2001
http://www.tantrumstroublesandtreasures.blogspot.com
So glad you stopped by and enjoyed this post!
As a grandmother of two girls I enjoy every moment with them. I had boys myself and my memories are those of a divorced-single mom playing catch and going to their games. Those memories I cherish and now I just having fun playing with dolls and such.
I enjoy your blog very much. Un abrazo!
Gracias! It’s great to hear how much grandmothers enjoy their time with grandchildren. I see it with my mom too.
I agree! I love it when I can see through my child how I used to play, and little by little the bigger he gets the more I identify. Now this is with the bot, I can’t wait to see my little baby girls playing pretend with her dolls and remember all I use to “inventar! jaja!
Dariela, it’s so much fun! She’ll make him play “tea party” lol
My kids absolutely love when I bring out my photos when I was a kid. They always compare my pics to my mom for some reason. They also get a kick out of the background – it’s always “old” according to them. lol
lol that’s funny that they think the photos look “old” from the background