The Oxford dictionary defines a toy
as “an
object for a child to play with”. In today’s context, I feel the word need not
be restricted to the word ‘child’.
Recently my wife and I were travelling on the Metro in Hong
Kong. Most passengers were playing either ‘Angry Birds” or ‘Candy Crush’ on
their smartphones.Thus, an item of utility during working hours had turned into
a toy later.This scene is replicated even in India among youngsters.
Despite all the hi-tech playthings
like Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo, there is still the excitement and thrill
of playing with conventional toys.Generally, a child starts with building
blocks and then progresses to activity books; then throws tantrums unless he or
she gets the items that are displayed in toy shops. In fact, the biggest
mistake parents can commit is to let their progeny run loose in a toy store. Through
generations, it is also presumed that a boy needs cars and a girl her quota of
dolls.
As adults graduate to parenthood it
is likely that the toys that they buy for their children reflect some of their
own desires.As my sons were growing I used to love browsing through toy stores
and eye longingly at the remote control cars and trucks.The Americans are adept
at trying all types of marketing gimmicks to make you spend your hard-earned
money on useless toys, particularly if they are connected with movie promotion.
On my trips to the USA I ended up buying a large rubber head of Godzilla (my
grandchildren play with that now), and replicas of the gadgets used in the Star
Wars series.
Young parents have also found an
easy route to keep their child out of their hair while going about their chores
at home. The iPad-generation kids seem to thrive on using the touch screen for
hours without losing interest.
My wife probably has an unfulfilled
desire to become a doctor like her parents. Recently she came home with a toy
doctor set for our granddaughter, Janvi. We presumed that the little girl would
enjoy playing ‘doctor, doctor’ and treat her grandparents.On her visits every
Saturday we found she preferred being the patient. I later realised that I was
the culprit.As a pretend-doctor I would operate on her stomach for a mysterious
ailment.The treatment included either a jujube or marshmallow as ‘medicine’.This
acted as an incentive for Janvi to become a patient every time.
The corner of my TV room is Janvi’s
toyland.Almost every item from the time she was born is stored there in various
condition of disrepair.Most children who visit our home make a beeline to that
hallowed place and freely use the toys.Now there are some additions to the
collection courtesy our grandson, Shantanu when he makes his yearly trip from
London.Thanks to the TV serial, we now have the complete collection of Chhota
Bheem miniatures, too.
But,I am yet to fulfill my grand
dream.On my compulsory trips to Toys”R”Us in the USA or Hamleys in London I
make a beeline to the train section and eye longingly on the electric train
sets.I picture a room in my home with rail
tracks complete with stations,crossings,tunnels,signal cabins…Heavenly.
