It all started with such high hopes.
This summer, a new trend emerged that, unlike previous fads, actually demanded focus and skill. Mia’s screen time on her tablet dwindled as she immersed herself in crafting one bracelet after another. She made them for everyone—her parents, her brothers, her grandparents, and her friends. It was a beautiful form of expression, breathing new life into a classic craft. The loom was a hit.
But then things changed.
Mia began to hear whispers of more intricate stitches from her camp friends. The once-popular single and fishtail designs were now passé, replaced by the likes of zipper and starburst. Her friends discovered these new techniques through video tutorials on YouTube, and suddenly, ten-year-old Zoe, an online sensation, overshadowed Mia’s earlier inspirations as we battled for time on the computer. That was strike one for the loom. Yet, she still found joy in using it during waiting times, at tennis practice, and before bedtime. I remained a supporter.
Last week, the boys wanted in on the action.
At first, it was endearing to see Ethan pick up the stitches at lightning speed, using nothing but his fingers. Mia even held looming classes in the playroom after dinner, and my heart swelled as the three of them sat side by side, absorbed in their crafting.
However, everything shifted rapidly.
Rather than just a few stray bands lying around, I now discovered 600 rubber pieces scattered throughout the house. They were on the pathway leading to our front door, in my cereal bowl, in every pocket I owned, and even trapped in the dog’s mess—oh, so that’s where the c-clips ended up! The lint trap in the dryer contained nothing but broken bands. The trio created bracelets, swapped them around, broke them, and then fought over them incessantly. I’m beginning to think we haven’t had a conversation that doesn’t revolve around the loom in weeks.
The silver lining is that this obsession will eventually fade, as all fads do. Just look at the abandoned Jibbitz, Webkinz, and Silly Bandz cluttering our home. The only question is when this will happen, because it can’t come soon enough.
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In summary, while the Rainbow Loom initially sparked creativity and family bonding, it has since spiraled into a colorful chaos that leaves me longing for the days of simplicity.