Who, What, & Why?

Who is talking about Hot Wheels? Mattel. They want to do something about the disconnect between moms and their sons when it comes to these tiny vehicles.

What is the problem? According to an article in Bloomberg Businessweek in early March, “Mom doesn’t get why cars, engines, and all the shapes and crashing and smashing are so cool.”

Why is this important? I think you already know. “Crashing and smashing” were in no way intended by the original designers. Pretend play, developing eye-hand coordination, and imagination were.

Remember the old phrase? “Less is more.” That is very important when it relates to toys. While Mattel wants moms to buy more and more of these for their sons (no mention of daughters), professionals recommend using less and less in as many creative ways as possible.

NOTE: Mattel is putting on their website a section to include “the benefits of vehicles, tips on playing with cars and using them to teach science and math, and a forum for moms of sons.”

Ideas of March!

Take your collection of hot wheels and matchbox cars and use them in fun and interesting ways. There is a wonderful carpet that you can buy that provides a track design all set up for creative play. You can even make your own set of roads with masking tape on a properly treated floor, carpeted area, or other appropriate place.