Paper Dolls

Do you remember doing paper dolls when you were a kid? I do. It was like my first taste of fashion. When I was a child AmericanGirl had a magazine that came out every month and in the back of each issue was a new paper doll. It wasn't long before I began looking forward to the doll more then the magazine, and not long after that I started only keeping my favorite dolls and outfits.

As I grew up I forgot about these dolls, but my mom didn't and come to find out she kept many of my old paper dolls.

This week in my life as a nanny I was actually presented with the opportunity to have the girls for a whole week. Seeing as I am not yet married I don't have kids of my own, and on long weeks like these I like to have a few tricks up my sleeve for when I am in desperate need of a way to entertain these children. Paper dolls saved my Monday.

They might be the most old fashioned toy these kids have ever seen, and at first they were more then resistant to the idea of having to spend time cutting out the dollies, clothes and accessories. Yet at this current moment I have never heard a more peaceful house, as they are cutting and sharing and critiquing the dolls.

It's funny how soon we develop a sense of what we think looks good, or cute, or pretty. These girls are only five and three, and already they know. I see it everyday as we take an hour to get dressed because they have to have everything look just right.

So next time you think to yourself, "no one will see me today, it doesn't matter what I look like, I am staying home with the kids." remember that they are taking it all in. They are learning from what you are doing, they want to be like you.

Here are some links to paper dolls you can do with your own kids.

http://marilee.us/paperdolls.html

http://www.berenstainbears.com/dressup.html

http://www.dollinsider.com/cpaperdolls.html