I was very happy to see the curvy Barbie — these day analog toys get put aside far too often for electronic ones.
There are still plenty of the original shaped Barbie dolls out there. You know the ones.
If they were actually real people they would topple over from the weight in their bust, they would never be able to find a belt to fit them because their waists are so tiny and their long thin legs wouldn't be any use because of the topple effect.
I don't remember playing with Barbie dolls. The only doll I remember is Cindy. She was a lovely average sized doll and the only one I remember playing with.
Not so Miss 6-year-old. She has got all her mother's Barbie dolls and several of her own. She also has a collection of other dolls.
When I asked her what she wanted for her birthday she asked for a doll. She talks to them, puts them to bed, makes plans about what they are going to do, changes "nappies" gives them bottles.
It's nice to watch and listen while pretending your not even looking of course.
She sounds so sweet talking in a hushed tones. But there's another side to this child and it's loud and explosive.
Family gathered to celebrate her birthday on Monday night. Among the guests was her 18-year-old cousin who challenged the 6-year-old to a game of air hockey.
I've never played this game but it soon became evident that Miss 6 had.
"She goes hard out," warned her father.
Mr 18-year-old just smiled and rather gently hit the puck toward Miss, 6, who slammed it back. It was two nil to him and I think he was feeling rather confident.
Then Miss 6 landed her first goal, then her second and her third. You could see the competition start to heat up. By this time his smile was fading and he was hitting the puck a bit harder. Miss 6 had pretty good tactics. When he was slamming the puck around she held her ground and guarded her goal. She couldn't reach as far as he she could either.
Long story short she thrashed him 9-5 and I think the entire neighbourhood heard he shriek with delight while she leapt in the air yelling "I beat him I beat him".
Who said competition isn't good for children. It's the competitive streak in people that helps them strife to do well in life.
Then it was the Nana verse Nana. First to three would win. That competitive streak leap to life as we both started slamming the puck. As I slammed my third goal I couldn't help it. I leaped in the air and yelled "I won I won".
Not quite as high or at the same volume as Miss 6, I don't actually think there are many people in Hawke's Bay that can reach that volume.
There's a lot to be said for good old fashioned family fun that doesn't involve screens or cost a small fortune.
It's how family dynamics are set and strengthened. It's how children learn to develop good relationships, socialise and build their self-esteem.
These days we almost need to make an appointment to spend time with family or friends as life rushes by at 100 miles an hour.
Actually taking time is the best medicine in the world.
*Linda Hall is assistant editor of Hawke's Bay Today.
