One of the most satisfying feelings I can describe is the sense of pure joy that comes from watching how happy my daughter Nia is when she is playing.
The corners of her mouth break into an open-mouthed smile. She’s constantly curious, carefree and always grateful for whatever surprises or presents come her way.
Sometimes, I wish I could go back to that time of beautiful imagination and curiosity myself. And just last week, I did.
At the ripe full age of two-and-a-half years old, last week Nia asked me casually if she could have her own car.
My mind automatically skipped to those electronic cars that kids drive inside the house these days, and the thought of our original 1950s floorboards getting absolutely wrecked. I quickly answered “Nia, no”.
Hubby and I told her we don’t have enough space in the house for her to get an electronic car, she sadly nodded and then quickly diverted her attention to finishing her mandarin.
Later that day, while driving Nia to the park in my own car, I pondered how I could make this ‘car’ dream come alive.
That’s when I started to recall my “first car” from my own childhood, when I was around Nia’s age. I couldn’t remember what it was called, but I remember the distinct yellow roof of this open car.
While waiting for my takeaway latte, I Googled ‘yellow roof kids car’, and there it was, in Google Images, Little Tikes Cozy Coupe. It turns out it’s been around for exactly 40 years, which is why so many of us have had the Cozy Coupe in our own backyards as kids, with hazy memories of spring and summer afternoons rolling around our homes and neighbourhoods.
