"Families really don't begin or end simply with the parent-child relationship," said Dr. Michael Shore, consumer insight specialist and child psychologist for Mattel. "Grandparents play a bigger role in the lives of many children today, whether taking care of them while mom and dad are away or even assuming primary responsibility, and now the Happy Family(TM) line reflects that in a way that is interactive and engaging for girls."
How many of you remember the Sunshine Family in the early 1970s? This was a family that included parents, children, a baby and also grandparents. These dolls were popular, and its true that children enjoy the extra-play possibilities of several generations of dolls.
Mattel has certainly recognized this, and they have created these dolls recognizing the important role grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren. According to Mattel: "Happy Family(TM) Grandparents provide girls with a natural extension to nurturing family play that encourages fun, imagination and caring. With the entire Happy Family(TM) collection, girls can create a myriad of engaging stories.
The original line of Happy Family Dolls, launched early this year, includes Midge(R), her husband Alan(R), their toddler son Ryan(TM), and a baby on the way. Barbie(R) extended her friendship with Midge(R) to act as the couple's baby doctor for the newest member of the family. With the addition of the Midge(R) doll's parents as the Happy Family(TM) Grandparents, Midge(R) and Alan(R) can now take the kids on special visits to their grandparents, building upon the nurturing play patterns girls already enjoy through the line.
There is also a wonderful playset, the Happy Family(TM) Grandma's Kitchen(TM) Giftset. Mattel describes the gift set as follows: "When dinnertime rolls around, the Happy Family(TM) is sure to be found in grandma and grandpa's kitchen preparing for a delicious meal. The Happy Family(TM) Grandma's Kitchen(TM) Giftset has everything needed to make a delicious meal, including an oven, a refrigerator that really opens and a "working" blender. There is even a "turkey," fresh-baked "cookies" and a "pie" for the family to enjoy that all change colors when they are "cooked."
"Midge(R) can feed the baby at the table while Grandma helps toddler Ryan(TM) with a glass of "milk" to enjoy with his "cookies." The dining room table has enough room to seat everyone, and the entire kitchen folds up and has a handle for easy carrying." The play set comes complete with Happy Family(TM) grandma and grandpa dolls. Suggested retail price is $47.00 and will be available in September 2003 at retailers nationwide.
Ok, it may be a bit of a trite depiction of grandmothers, but it DOES seem to be true that baking and cooking with grandma is a popular family activity, even in the face of today's grandmother who is as likely to be found in the boardroom as in the kitchen.
Midge and Alan definitely have a history together. Their backstory is that nine years ago, Mattel's fashion dolls Midge(R) and Alan(R) were married -- with Midge(R) doll's best friend, Barbie(R) doll, by her side (of course!) as her maid of honor. Today, they are a loving family with their toddler son, Ryan(TM). Soon to be joined by a new member of the family, Midge(R) is expecting their second child. After all, who could forget the controversy behind pregnant Midge? The wonderful addition of grandma and grandpa to the family will be less controversial.
