Why Dolls?

For my first column on the Goldberger Toy website I decided to write about Why Dolls? We are a doll company after all and it seemed like a logical place to start. Did you know that archaeological evidence indicates that dolls have been a part of human civilizations for thousands of years? The question of interest here is of what value are dolls to society and, more importantly, to children today.

Children are born imitators. Much of their play with dolls is a reenactment of what they have heard or experienced in their own young lives – being fed, having their diapers changed, riding in the stroller, being read to or whatever. In their play, however, they are in charge. They are the mommies (or daddies), pre-school teachers or doctors. Doll play helps children learn and practice the very basic life lesson of feeding and caring for children. Have you noticed that children often ascribe certain personalities or traits to their dolls? This helps children begin to develop relationship skills, which, in turn, helps them negotiate the interactions they have with others. Sometimes dolls become pretend playmates who join children in their real or imaginary experiences. The dolls become friends who share in creative endeavors or give comfort when needed.

By watching our children play with their dolls we can learn a lot about what interests them, what frightens them or what makes them happy or sad. We can gently guide their play to help them master skills or behaviors. As parents and caregivers we have an opportunity to nurture our children as they play and to model the life lessons we want our young ones to learn.

In the coming months I will be writing about various topics relevant to play and to raising young children. If you have any questions or concerns let me know and I’ll try to address them. If you have a story to share that may be helpful to others, or just plain fun, send that too. I’d love to pass it along. This column is a work in progress and I may adjust or adapt as necessary or in response to feedback from you. You can reach me by . . .[please let me know what to put here]. Our children are our society’s most precious resource. I look forward to creating this online community with you and with them in mind.

Yours,
Bette Holtzman

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