Harry Potter is to today’s youth what Star Wars is to my generation. This series of movies for kids has gained overwhelming popularity for this new generation. Some of us older kids love the movies as well. Harry Potter action figures have taken the toy industry by storm and I just can’t help but make the connection to the Stars Wars action figures of the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Nothing was more fun than playing with the Star Wars toys when I was a kid. Watching my nieces and nephews play with Harry Potter action figures today brings back great memories for me and my sister. We love to watch and listen to the kids play and talk about our own childhood play.
We remembered the many hours playing with our collection and we had all of the bells and whistles too. The Millennium Falcon was a particular favorite. My sister and I spent more hours playing Star Wars than we did playing with our Barbie dolls. It looks as if my nieces are more interested in playing with Harry Potter action figures than with their Barbie dolls.
On of the appealing aspects of the Harry Potter action figures, as with any toy of it’s sort is their size. These toys are perfect for travel and they organize well into carriers designed for just such items. I remember toting Star Wars figures everywhere I went when I was a kid. I have to laugh when I see my nieces and nephews doing the same with their Harry Potter action figures.
It’s funny because the two tales are so very different. My sister and I were imagining space and the future while our kids are imagining the past in a way. The Harry Potter action figures are so closely linked to the Star Wars toys in my mind that I wouldn’t be surprised to see them playing with both sets of toys at once.
Who knows? This may be the next installment of the Harry Potter stories. He could have an adventure in the galaxy. It probably will never make it to print or to the theatre. This concept may just stay with the kids’ imaginations. The whole Harry Potter action figure adventure has me inspired to dig up some of my old Star Wars toys to share. Maybe the kids would like to share an adventure with their aunts.
posted in Children, Fun, Toys |
Today’s families are busier than ever. It has become so hard to stay in touch with each other, that families end up feeling disconnected. When this happens, children start having problems in school and parents feel even more stressed. One great way for everyone to stay connected is by taking some special time to spend with each other. No matter how busy everyone is this is essential for healthy family relationships. One great way to do this is to make time for family games.
This is a wide open subject. There are so many things that you can do for family games that you never have to get bored with doing the same activity over and over again. One common form of family games is to have a game night in which you all play a board game or two together. What games you pick will depend on the ages of your children. Family games for youngsters might include Bingo, Yahtzee or Candyland. For older children, you can try Twister, Monopoly or Life. Newer games like Cranium have become huge hits as family games.
You can also find help with family games by searching online. There are many board games from which to choose, or you can find activities you can do outside. These games are fun and inspire imagination and togetherness. If you look for home schooling websites, you may find huge lists of ideas for family games you can do together no matter what the weather or how busy you all seem to be.
Family games don’t have to be games, they can also be sport related. Though your children may already be involved in sports in school, they can also benefit from a weekly sporting event with their family. This can be the immediate family or can be expanded to involve cousins, aunts and uncles and other relatives. These events might be tennis, football, biking or hiking. It doesn’t really matter what you choose for these family games, the important thing is that you are all doing something together.
When your children get older and move away on their own, some of their fondest memories when looking back might just be the times you took for family games. Not only are you staying close, you are also showing them how important they are, and that spending time with them is important. This will help their self-esteem and will shape how they relate to their future spouses and children. It’s a good gift to give, so make time for family games.
posted in Children, Fun, Games, Memories |