I know that “the Red Sticks” seem like a strange name for a Mommy blog. It seems more appropriate for a rock band (sporting red hair!) or a Chinese restaurant (as in the Red Chopsticks). But believe it or not, the title of my blog refers to my twin boys, Lorenzo and Ignacio.
For some reason, both boys seem to be particularly attracted to the color red. It probably has nothing to do with their red stroller, their red car seats or their array of red clothes. Nor the fact that their Mom’s favorite color is, in fact, the color red. (I’m being sarcastic here, in case you didn’t know.) So it comes as no surprise that they like toys that are red.
The boys have this toy hammering block from IKEA which has a series of sticks in various colors. There are only two red sticks and my boys love, love, love the red sticks.
These are their favorite toys! They go everywhere – to the bathtub when they take their bath, to bed when they go to sleep and even in the car when we are driving somewhere. Unfortunately, because these sticks go everywhere, we also tend to lose them. If there’s only one red stick left, then be prepared for a lot of tantrums and fighting. We’ve actually already bought three sets of this hammering block just so there’s always a red stick for each boy.
But I’ve noticed that they actually like any red stick-like toy. Like today, Ignacio spent the whole day clutching a red Duplo Lego block. He had it in his hands from church to lunch to the supermarket and on the way back home. When we go to the Children’s Museum in Houston, they like to clasp these red crystal sticks found in the TotSpot section.
So when it came time to name my blog, I thought of using a title that was both personal and reminded me of the two most important little boys in my life. Consider this a welcome of sorts to my blog. In the coming posts, I hope to share with you the highs and lows of being Momma to these Red Sticks. Have a great week ahead!
Photo courtesy of Ikea.
The Red Sticks 
It is mind boggling the twins’ spontaneous natural liking of the color red, starting with the red sticks. They would literally fight over it. We had to make sure any toy that is red we need to have at least a pair because they have no capacity of sharing them so far. Every time we had to leave the toddlers area at the museum, they’d be crying because we’d force them to let go of the red crystal sticks.
What is it with toddlers / kids preference with certain colors? Is it based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or science? In our experience it seems to be socially constructed– following strongly on their mom’s strong preference to the color red. I think young children rely so much in colors to identify things and to stimulate their minds.
Are there reasons to believe that kids reactions to particular colors are biologically determined? hereditary perhaps?
I personally think its just because red is bright and attractive. The fact that there’s only two sticks and the other baby likes it too makes it even more attractive.
By the way, if you look at the twins’ photo in the previous post, you’ll see that Ignacio (lying down) is holding a red stick and Lorenzo (standing up) is in the process of chucking the IKEA toy block. Have a good week!
I think gravitating toward the personal is important for a blog.
Congratulations Ivy!!! I LOVE your blog!!! So happy for you that you are doing this. I’m sure being mommy of twins will give you lots and lots of things to talk about.
In regards the name of your blog, I love it! And in regards of sharing, I think kids always have a hard time sharing, and if a friend or especially a brother has a toy, that automatically makes it more interesting so both of them want the same thing.
Hugs & kisses!
Miss you!
Thank you Nelly! Hugs to you and your boys! They have grown so much since we last saw them. We miss you too!
Red is my fave color too. good choice boys 😉