Art and I walked to a garage sale up the hill from our house yesterday. There were a number of toys, but I was drawn to this cookware/dishware set for $5.00 that I thought KC would enjoy playing with when she came to visit this summer.
We brought it home and was washing it when my mother came in and admonished us that we shouldn't buy KC too many toys because it would stifle her creativity. I told her that I was also a teacher (She taught 2nd grade in Japan.) and have a pretty good idea what would and would not stifle creativity. She felt the kitchen set was too realistic and would not allow KC's mind to create its own fantasies. I still disagree. I think that you have to choose a child's toys very carefully to encourage free thinking. However, it doesn't mean they have to only play with sticks and stones.
It's funny but I think she keeps forgetting that we've raised two children ourselves who are very creative, independent and adventurous. Ah well, time will tell, won't it?
