Then and Now: Bridging Generations Through Toys

Intro
What if the toy your child holds today once lived in your childhood memories? Sharing your own childhood toys or stories with your kids bridges time — and builds something more than play: connection.

Toys as Emotional Heirlooms

• They carry memory, culture, and emotion

• Children become curious about “the world before”

• Parents are seen not just as caregivers, but as once-upon-a-time kids

Ways to Explore This Together
✔️ Show them your old toys (or photos of them)
✔️ Tell a story about how you used to play
✔️ Find modern versions and compare styles

Why It Matters
Research from Family Relations (2011) shows that shared narratives between generations build stronger identity and resilience in children.