She’s 50 years old today, but doesn’t look a day older than 25. I remember our shared days. My family had an “Arizona Room” at our house. I had my dolls there and would sit for hours playing make-believe. I’m quite sure Barbie was a teacher in my playtime because I grew up with a younger sister and mostly we played “school.”
My daughter has a few - three I think - that don’t really get played with at this point. She is 4, so maybe it’s just an age thing. She loves her baby dolls and playing “mommy.” She does like to pick out the Barbie movies, “Diamond Castle” and “Mariposa,” when we go to the library.
The dolls she does have are in her closet - sans clothing. What is it with that? My mom saved my dolls and her clothes, so it’s not like my daughter’s Barbies have none.  And they didn’t come naked.
Barbie was the starting point for me and doll personalities. As I grew up, I received a Dorothy Hamill Barbie-like doll, a ballerina Barbie, an Olympics Barbie. I’m pretty sure I even got one that rode a horse and drove a car. I’m not sure Ken was anywhere in sight (though my daughter does have one at her grandmother’s).
I don’t remember wanting to look like Barbie, so I’ve never had that image concern as a mom. I loved the dress-up part, changing her clothes, her hair, her shoes. But for my daughter, well that just doesn’t seem to matter.
So Happy Birthday, Barbie! Here’s to old memories we’ve shared - and many more to come as my daughter grows (and locates your pants).

Posted in: Michelle Reese • fun with kids |

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