b is for barbie (an extra-special collection)

did you know 2019 was the 60th barbie-versary?

happy 60th to barbie!

a lot has changed since barbie's creation. this collection celebrates those changes, going way beyond super-thin, blonde, blue-eyed dolls.

this eclectic barbie collection features:

- more diversity

- different body types

- dolls with disabilities

- dolls with interesting careers

- an emphasis on education

- barbies with agricultural themes (i come from families of farmers and grew up in small towns)

- ken dolls who are more diverse and contemporary

in the old days, it tended to be older kids playing with barbie, maybe ages 8 to 12.

these days, barbie-lovers are often preschoolers. that pretend kind of play and creating dialogue between the dolls and with other children is so important, especially in today's screen-focused world.

the types of toys kids touch and move are extra important for brain development and physical coordination. 

barbies can blend together different ages. encourage siblings or cousins to play barbies together. older kids can lead the play (and remember how fun it is to just PLAY).

p.s. you don't need lots of fancy barbie equipment. a group of boxes can be turned into a "house" or "apartments" or "car" or "boat" or "bed" or 'tent"...

let your child look around the house for items to turn into furniture. a washcloth can be a bed. a saucer can sit on top of an upside-down cup and be the table. other cups can be the chairs.

psst. take a few hours off and play barbies with your child. they will never forget that part.

 NOTE:  mattel now produces a whole line of barbies called "fashionistas." these dolls show lots of diversity. they include dolls that use a wheelchair and have a prosthetic leg.