Parenting
The Rainbow Loom phenomenon started off with great potential. Unlike the fleeting trend of Silly Bandz from summers past, this activity required genuine skill and focus. My daughter, Emma, gradually reduced her screen time, immersing herself in the art of bracelet-making. She created numerous bracelets for family, friends, and even her grandparents. This creative pursuit was a refreshing twist on a classic craft, and I appreciated the positive engagement it provided.
However, as the days progressed, Emma began to hear about more intricate weaving techniques from her friends at summer camp. The simple single and fishtail styles became passé, replaced by fancier patterns like zipper and starburst. Emma’s friends turned to YouTube tutorials, leading to a surge in interest in advanced designs. Suddenly, a ten-year-old internet sensation overshadowed Emma’s previous inspirations, resulting in a struggle for computer time. This was the first sign of her beloved loom’s decline in popularity. Nonetheless, she continued to use it during waiting periods at the doctor’s office, while her brother practiced tennis, and before bed. I remained an enthusiastic supporter.
Last week, her brothers decided to join in on the crafting excitement. At first, it was heartwarming to see Liam mastering the stitches with impressive speed, relying solely on his fingers. Emma took on the role of teacher in the playroom after dinner, and I felt a swell of pride watching the three of them focus intently on their creations.
Yet, things can shift dramatically in just a few days. Instead of merely discovering a few stray rubber bands scattered around the house, I became inundated with 600 pieces littering the floor. They appeared on the walkway to our home, in my breakfast cereal, and stuffed into every pocket. Even the dog’s mess revealed hidden c-clips. My dryer’s lint trap now housed only broken bands. The trio was constantly making, trading, breaking, and squabbling over bracelets. It seemed every conversation we had in the last few weeks revolved around the Rainbow Loom.
The silver lining is that such obsessions often wane over time, as have many trends before them. I still have remnants of abandoned Jibbitz, Webkinz, and Silly Bandz to remind me. The lingering question is when this particular craze will end—because I certainly feel it can’t come soon enough.
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Summary
The Rainbow Loom initially captivated my daughter Emma, allowing her to express creativity and reduce screen time. However, as her brothers joined the trend, the situation escalated into chaos with rubber bands scattered everywhere and constant bickering over bracelets. While trends like this usually fade, the question remains: when will this obsession end?