Day 5 of my attempt at posting every day in June…….
A few days ago, Pajamas and Coffee was on the Today show, discussing and trading silly bandz with Matt Lauer. It got me thinking about this little trend, and here are some things I’ve observed since MaM has jumped on the bandzwagon:
1) They’re fun and inviting. The shapes are cool. The theme packs are interesting. MaM has learned a few words since opening her pirate, princess and fantasy packs ( the words are skull & crossbones and the concept of a genie in a bottle, but still…)
2) They speak to the child’s need for order and classifying. MaM spends hours sorting her bands, sorting by color, shape or theme. It’s fascinating to watch her work. She’s also practicing counting to higher numbers. As she counts her collection, she’s thinking up ways to keep track of them. The other day she started writing down numerals as she moved each band from one wrist to the other.
3) They help children interact with each other, face to face. MaM is an outgoing girl, and immediately refers to anyone under 4ft tall as her friend when she spots them in the pool, at the library or on the playground. Not all children are like that. Silly bandz bridge the gap. They either comment on her collection or she comments on theirs. Then they start showing each other what they have, and them they start trading. MaM’s record of summer is going to be which friend gave her which bracelet. How fun is that?
4) Silly bandz are a great commodity to learn about instant (or not so instant) gratification. At $5 a pack, it’s not something I’ll buy every time we are out. BUT $5 isn’t an amount that’s out of reach for MaM to earn herself, or for me to offer for a behavior changed or a job well done.
And…..well, that’s it. That’s my list. But hey, they are .25 bracelets. I can think of many other more expensive trends with fewer merits…………
What a great take on those crazy things. My 10yo just HAD to have them when school was in session. But now that he’s not faced w/all the friends touting theirs, he hasn’t mentioned them. Bargain Briana had a link for a good deal on them recently.
Thanks, Amy! Just this morning, MaM had a silent a dialogue throughout Mass with a little girl in the pew in front of us–they were holding up different ones and then nodding yes or no if they had the some one. It was hysterical, and kept them quiet the entire time!! Be glad your 10yr old is over them, I think they will make for very funky tan lines!!
Hi Michelle-
I found your blog through GIMH. Your post caught my eye because we live in the same area.
My 3- and 4-year-olds are a little late to the party, but they are mesmerized by silly bandz.
HI Tracy! Thanks for stopping by—I’m glad you found me! Don’t be a stranger 😉